AFFAIRS IN NEW SOUTH WALES

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 14 July 1927, Page 8

AFFAIRS IN NEW SOUTH WALES

A WORKER’S OPINION

A correpondent, “Kingsley,” who has recently returned to New Zealand after a long stay in New South. Wales, forwards the following impressions of the Government of the State to the 'Dominion.” “New Zealanders reading of the large surplus in the New South Wafeti Budget, and also reading of the high wages [juicl, may possibly turn envious eyes towards that State. But the writer,

recently returned from a seven years’ residence in Sydney, can assure them that their lot in New Zealand is a much happier one. Australia, espeeial!y Sydney, is rapidly becoming Americanised. For example, it is nearly

impossible to secure an appointment in the Public Service unless one is pushed b.v some member of the Government —

that is, the Labour Party. When Mr Lang succeeded in making the 44-hour week law, workers thought they were in for a rosy time, especially as it had increased the basic wage by 2s per

week; but the 44-hour week only added to their woes. Cost of living increased through increased cost of production; overtime was declared illegal, and in lots of eases this means n reduction in the actual amount earned. Civil servants, especially were hard hit. The writer received £5 4s increase per annum and lost £27 a year in overtime. The “Bill” has reintroduced broken time, and in fact amounts to this. Mr Lang has virtually .said to the basic wage earner: £4 os ai week shall be your pay, 44 hours shall you work, an.d

always you will be a labourer, because I give you no chance of earning more than a hare living.” Under Mr Lang’s regime* numerous appointments have been made to positions of hi* creation.

Trade unionism has developed until it i.s beyond the leaders’ power to control it, and now is only a Ixrgey for the workers. Take the A.WAY., the most powerful union in Australia, with annual funds in subscriptions £200,000. Last- year, when a minor .strike involving onlv a few hundred workers took place at Canberra, a, levy had to be struck on all members before tho.se on strike, could be paid £2 Ss per week. No mention was made of the union’s funds, beyond that no funds were available. Similar instances have shaken the workers’ confidence in unionism.

That something amiss with Lang's adm.ini,stration is proved by the turmoil that exists within the Parliamentary Labour Pa rty. Last year Peter Loughlin (one of the greatest politicians Labour lias produced in Australia), completely broke from his party. More recently we have the big breakaway headed bv Tim Mutch (of whom even Air Bavin had to sav at the opening of the Ma scot School): “A gentleman who flt.ithfiillv administrates the Education Department irrespective of party/’ That the Arbitration Con re recognises the impossibility of the 44-honr week is proved l>v its efforts to determine piecework rates. The motto of any worker, employer or employee, should he: “a day’s work for a day’s pay.” and this country is fortunate in having at the helm a. gentleman who eousoien+ioii.sV

carries out his job endeavouring to keep his country going on a sound financial basis, thus gaining the goodwill of every sane citizen. Mr Lang will realise in September that his methods do not tend to strengthen a “party’s” position.