LOWER BASIC WAGE

Greymouth Evening Star, 26 October 1929, Page 7

LOWER BASIC WAGE

N.S. WALES DEVELOPMENT

GOVT.’S SERIOUS PROBLEM

(Australian Press Association.) (By Cable—Press Assn.—Copyright.)

SYDNEY, October 25.

The State Industrial Commission has reduced the general basic wage from £4/5/- £3/12/6 per week, as being “adequate for man and wife, now that the support of children is provided for under the Family Endowment Act.” The rural rate was fixed at £3/2/- weekly. The declaration of these new wage levels has been delayed for fourteen days to enable Parliament to consider the matter if it so wishes. The table of reductions, under the new decision will be: —Adult males, 12/6 weekly; 'adult females, 6/9; junior males 5/-; junior females, 2/8. Mr Justice Piddington, President of the Commission, dissented from the decision of the majority. He considered that the new figure was not a living wage, but a “catastrophe” wage. He said that the Commission’s inquiry has been a waste of public time. The present wage was no higher than was required to maintain the standard of living. The employers had refused to make any effort to show that the retention of the present wage level was inimical to the conduct of industry within the State. The Judge says that each shilling wage reduction represents roughly one million pounds sterling in the New South Wales awards. Further, he pointed out that the basic wage earner was also penalised by an equal reduction under the Family Endowment Act. The Commonwealth basic wage in Sydney was £4/14/6. The present N.S.W. State level was the lowest wage in Australia. The Trades Hall to-day condemned the new basic wage as outrageous, and declared that Labour must organise for the destruction of the Government that is conniving at the reduction of wages. Mr Lang, Leader of the Opposition, described the 12/6 wage reduction as being the most calamitous thing that this State has experienced in recent years. The resignation of the Bavin Government alone could allay the panic, and prevent the disaster that is threatening the commercial community. Mr Bavin, Premier, on the contrary, counsels calmness. He declared that he realised that the economic results of the large decrease in the basic wage would necessarily have farreaching effects, and would require serious consideration by the Government. He promised to give Parliament the opportunity to consider the position next Tuesday.