ECONOMY NEEDED.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVI, Issue 17030, 3 December 1915, Page 7

ECONOMY NEEDED.

MR ASQUITH’B SPEECH. APPEAL TO LABOUR. QUESTION OF ADVANCES IN WAGES. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. LONDON, December 1. Economy by sacrifice of all non-essen-tials was the keynote of a fine speech by Mr Asquith before a conference of Labour delegates at which 700 delegates were present. Those on the platform included Colonel Ward and other khaki-clad members of the House of Commons. Mr A. Henderson presided. The Labour men, who havo a great affection for Mr Asquith, rose up and greeted him with a remarkable demonstration when he entered the hall.

The Premier, in a calm, impressive speech, analysed the country’s finances in striking phrases. “We are,” ho said, “ within measurable reach of spending £5,000,000 a day. Our naval and militray expenditure and the cost of financing the Empire and our Allies since the outbreak of war now totals £1,662,000,000. These figures are absolutely unexampled in the history of this or any other country.” Mr Asquith emphasised the enormous sacrifices necessary for the conduct of the war, but said ho was sure that the burden on all classes would be gladly and joyfully borne. Any excess either in profits or wages which was not returned to the State in loans and taxes, or not employed in necessary industries and public services was so much loss ot national revenue and resources, and therefore so much injury to the national came. “ I lay down that proposition both in regard to profits and the •earnings of the working classes. The income tax has been thrice multiplied, the supertax largely increased and an excess of profits tax imposed. The Government urges trade union leaders to prevent anything in the. nature of a general demand for an advance in wages. The Government has done much to make the profits or earnings of capital contribute their share towards the prosecution of the war.’ • Delegates listened in silence and tense interest when the Premier dealt with the question of wages. He said that, according to the best estimates, 4,500,000 workpeople bad obtained, siuce the outset of. the war* an average rise of 3s Gd per week in wages. They represented only one-third of the workers. A large number of other trades had also advanced wages, though the earnings in building, cotton and other trades were somewhat prejudiced. Ou the other hand, there had been the following substantial increase in the cost of living: Food 40 per cent, rent 2' pen cent, fuel and fight 25 per cent, clothing 20 per cent, and miscellaneous 15 per cent. The general increase in the cost ot Jiving was 30 p .• cent. “ There aro indisputably very large areas where, after allowances are made for the increase in the cost of living, the wage-earners are substantially better off than before the war. (Murmurs of dissent). The Government ask your help in securing that all classes which contributed so nobly in flesh and blood will, in the same spirit of patriotism and self-sacrifice, be as prepared to deal with the question of wages and contribute their share. Our task is one of common interest. Upon its successful prosecution and complete achievement, the economic fortunes and tho honour and national life of tlio country depend.” (Loud cheers.) DANCER OF IMPORTING. MR M’KENNA’S WARNING. (Received December 2, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, December 1. Mr M’Kenna also addressed the Conference. He said that it was contrary to the interests of the States and of the poorer classes and workers themselves, to demand higher wages in particular trades at present. It' they had to mortgage their last shilling of capital the Government would insist oil having the means of enabling the gallant soldiers to light. “No matter what the cost for their munitions, artillery, clothes and food, we will pay it. The large wages that have been earned caused half the present trouble, which would not have arisen if those wages had not been lavishly spent. If during the war you buy imported goods you throw upon the State the extraordinary and difficult task of paying. ’ A voice: What about the rich? Mr M’Kenna : The excess profits of the rich are taxed 50 per cent. APPEALS COMMENDED TO UNIONS. (Received December 2. 5.20 p.m.) LONDON, December 2. At the Labour Conference, a miners’ representative said that tho_ m’uers believed the Government was in the right in the war. They were prepared to do all they could to help. Every class had done its best. He urged* the conference to leave petty difficulties until after the war. Tile committee resolved 'o commend '■ the appeals of Mr Asquith and Mr • yi'Konm to the favourable consider.*!- i tion of the trade unions. ‘