UNEMPLOYED WAGES

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXIV, Issue 3242, 13 December 1930, Page 5

UNEMPLOYED WAGES

CONSIDERED EXCESSIVE.

VIEW OF COUNTY COUNCIL

An expression of opinion in regard to the rate of wages being paid to unemployed, was called for by Cr. C. K. Wilson at yesterday’s meeting of the Waitomo County Council. Cr. Wilson pointed out that as a member of the executive of the Counties’ Association, he would be asked for the Council’s view on this question at the next meeting of the association. Personally, he thought the rate of wages was excessive. In the course of his remarks Cr. Wilson said there had been a lot of tirade about the unemployed not receiving sufficient pay, but he could lay hands on a lot of farmers, for instance, who themselves could not afford to pay the 30s levy. “Of one thing I am convinced,” said the speaker, “and that is the unemployed are not giving value, as most of the work upon which they are engaged, is of an unproductive nature.”

Cr. Neal considered 14s a day on work which was unproductive, was excessive, a view which was also shared by Cr. Jones. Cr. Lee: Some of those on unemployed relief work at the present rate of pay will never leave that to do hard work on a farm, for instance.

The following resolution was passed: “That this Council is opposed to the present rate of wages paid to the unemployed, and views with alarm the increased unemployment which is being brought about by the excessive rate of wages.”