N.Z. WORKERS

Hokitika Guardian, 20 September 1937, Page 4

N.Z. WORKERS

HON. ARMSTRONG’S VIEWS. (Rei Press Association—Copyright). AUCKLAND, Sept. 19. “The workers m New Zealand are us well off as those in any other country, but that is not saying tln.t we nave not yet got a long way to go,” said the Minister of .Labour, Hon H. T. Armstrong, who returned by the Aorangi to-day, inter an extensive tour of abroad, which included a visit to the Coronation and attendance at the international Labour Conference at Gen-

Mr Armstrong stated that New Zealand was more advanced than most countries in its recognition of humane social principles, and could claim a place in tile lord rent in that respect. At tile same time, there were undoubtedly examples to be found abioud in which the employers had advanced further than in New Zealand in realising that the money spent on improving the health, comfort, and conditions of the workers while at tneir job- was sound expenditure.

A marked improvement, in the conditions pi employment had recurred in most overseas countries, lie said, during the past few years, and in some countries, which were supposed to be backward, this improvement was particularly noticeable. In Great Britain and in some of the European countries, many employers catered for the amusement of their employees and placed theatres and educational facilities at their disposal. In France and in Germany he stated, the workers were paid during their annual holidays of from eight to 15 days, and .special travelling and boarding facilities were also allowed them to enjoy their vacations to the full.

Comparing wages with the cost of living overseas, Mr Armstrong said ho was quite certain that it wouid be impossible for workers in other countries t© maintain the standard of living of the Dominion worker. There were some countries, such as Canada and the United States, where the salaries were actually higher, but the cost of living was also much greater, so that the workers did nofc have any advantage as far a s real wages were concerned. In none of the countries visited did he think

that commodity prices were, on the whole, lower than they were in New Zealand.

Mr Armstrong said that he had a number of proposals, covering a wide range of social and labour problems which he proposed to submit to Cabinet. ‘‘l am perfectly sure that New Zealand will benefit greatly as the result of my tour, particularly if we copy the best and reject the worst,” Mr Armstrong added. Mr Armstrong was met by the Hon P. C. Webb on behalf of the Government. He leaves for Wellington tomorrow night.