FORTNIGHT’S HOLIDAY FOR WORKERS

Evening Star, Issue 22618, 9 April 1937, Page 14

FORTNIGHT’S HOLIDAY FOR WORKERS

MINISTER URGES CAUTION MUST NOT CRIPPLE INDUSTRY IMPORTS ALREADY INCREASING [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, April 8. During a debate on a proposal for paid holidays for all workers, which took place at the recent annual conference of the Labour Party, the sugfestion was made that a fortnight’s oliday annually should, be made mandatory. According to a report _ issued to-night, the Minister of Industries and Commerce (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan), in speaking to the motion, recalled that some years ago, with the consent of the Parliamentary Labour Party, he introduced a . Bill providing for a fort-; night’s paid holiday for all workers every year. “ During the period Labour has been in power certain new factors have been introduced,” added the Minister. “ There has been the 40-hour week and the restoration of and increases in wages. The costs of production have thereby been increased, and I am at present investigating the claims of a number of industries that, as the result of the industrial legislation and the increased costs, they are no longer able to sustain their position in competation with goods from overseas. My investigations have' not yet proceeded to the point whefe it can be said that the claims are sustained, but importations have increased.in some of these industries. That may be taken to show that some manufacturers are having difficulty in competing, hut our investigations are not yet conclusive. “I have no doubt that the Government, will find a way of solving any difficulty that may be proved,” continued Mr Sullivan. “ The increase in imports in one or two of the smaller industries has reached 100 per cent., but the turnover on the local market has also increased, so that New Zealand industry may be benefiting at the same time. The conference will see that this is a most important matter, and we must take care not to do anything that will make it impossible for local industry to carry on. If a sura of £IOO,OOO or £200,000 in costs were added to industry by enforcing the extra holidays, the effect might be disastrous. If the thing is impossible, I feel sure the conference will not recommend that we should adopt'it.” The conference passed a recommendation that the Government should be asked to give consideration to the question of having legislative provision for paid annual holidays.