Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 19 November 1927, Page 2

A fresh fillip to the discussion on wages agreements in relation to results on production, will he given by the publicity to the remarks of an ex-Pre-mier of Queensland, who is now l a member of the Board of Trade and Arbitration Court of Queensland. Air W. N. Gillies, the gentleman in question. graduated in politics through the Labour party, and rose to the position of Premier. He has thus had

some ripe experience of what work and wages are. Queensland has had its fill of labour troubles, and as Premier lie, would have had the opportunity to view the whole situation from different angles, llis conclusions are slimmed up by bis advocacy at the Queensland Board of Trade of a system of payment by results as the superior means of raising the standard of living for the working man. This is in main the system prevailing in America which is pointed to so often as the best example of high wages—bat the higher pay is qualified for by the increased production or output resulting' from the workman’s personal effort. Air Gillies, in reviewing mat-

tors relating to wage payments, said the system bo advocated was really one wortliv of consideration so far as

wages were concerned. They were at a dead end. He thought it was due to the Workers that consideration should lie given to any system whereby the standard of living could be improved. Too much was expected from the wage tribunals. They could not produce wealth. Neither could Parliament nor the press produce wealth. Passing on from these obvious economic facts of tho true situation, he remarked with equal effect flint wealth wais only produced by the workers, but they could not take more out of the industry than was put ill it. If they awarded rales which were too high it was inevitable that the result wins unemployment and possibly an increased cost of living. This is not a new version of the position. Tt is but a reiteration of many similar sermons delivered by those who have given the subject logical thought. But it is very refreshing to have the convictions rc-cmphas-iscd from such a source and from one who could adopt such changed views only from a. clear understanding of flic economic situation of any country. There is hope for the ultimate settlement of the vexed issues of work and ages when sane thought is brought to hear oil the general question and the true facts realised. The difficulty lias been that hitherto iliero was none so blind as those who would not see. The fact that the eyes of responsible leaders of Labour thought arc thus being opened in Australia is no inen,ii stop in general progress. It is being realised at Home also in the same circle. New Zealand has still to realise the facts of the ease, as revealed bv the opposition Labour circles to the present Arbitration Bill before Parliament. But th.e world portents are at least promising.