DEARER MEAT.

Evening Star, Issue 23093, 20 October 1938, Page 18

DEARER MEAT.

TO THE EDITOR. . Sir,—ln a report in your paper dated October 13, under the heading ‘ Dearer Meat,’ a paragraph in which is stated another factor contributing to these prices is the new award for assistants, etc. The report states that the increases range from 7s 6d to 12s 6d, but does not give any indication of how, many assistants receive these increases. 1 can safely say that very few, indeed, receive even the 7s 6d increase, the majority of them receiving 6s only; and this two years or more after workers in other industries have received higher increases. The report goes on to say, “in addition to this the 15 minutes a day allowed for cleaning time has been lost, with the result that assistants will cease work as soon as ‘ knock-off ’ time strikes.” In this matter I wish to state that Dunedin, is the only place in New Zealand where 15 minutes have been worked, without pay, for many years. The employer* have not reduced the price of meat in, Dunedin on account of this 15 minutes, therefore the extra the Dunedin employers have received oyer other districts should amply compensate them for the higher rate that they now: have to pay their assistants.—l am,, etc., "' s A. Riach (Secretary), October 20.