RECIPROCITY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCIII, Issue 10594, 1 March 1895, Page 2

RECIPROCITY.

TO THE EDITOR. Sie, —There ia one aspect to the question of reciprocity with South Australia, which I have not seen advanced. It is of the utmost importance, more especially to ,the workers. In the matter of Labour laws New Zealand js in advance of the other colonies. We may also expect, in the near future, the fixing of a “living wage,” to pay less than which will be illegal. If any doubt this, note that the Government, in having estimates drawn, up, calculate, where labour ia concerned, on the “current rate of wage.” They also condemn suh-contracting, as it leads to underpaid labour. The result, no doubt, of the cervices of the arbitrators under the Conciliation - and Arbitration Act in a trade dispute will be the fixing of a minimum wage, and if that fixed on is not considered a"living wage” the dissatisfied party will appeal to the Government to fix one. No one can doubt that tho result of the agitation on this question will be that fair remuneration will be paid for labour. Well, seeing that Now Zealand intends her workers to have a “ living wage ” and comfortable conditions of labour, and that the other colonies are very backward in this respect, It strikes me that until such time as they fall into line with us as regards labour laws, if wo enter into reciprocal relations with any of them we should do so at a tremendous sacrifice, as the goods manufactured by such of their employers who underpay their men, &c., would simply destroy the market for our own. manufactures. I should like to say that one of the commodities which we wish to import duty free should not be included, and that is wine. Wind’ is a luxury, and before taking the duty off such as it we should exempt such necessities as tea and sugar. I am, &c., *WEKA.