THE NEW BONUS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVIII, Issue 18570, 24 November 1920, Page 6

THE NEW BONUS.

COMMENT BY BUILDERS. Reference to cost of living bonuses was made yesterday at the annual meeting of the New Zealand. Federated Builders’ and Contractors’ Association. A paragraph in the report said:— “The War’ Legislation and Statute) Law Amendment Act contained a provision that required the 'Arbitration Court to grant to workers increases in wages commensurate, with tho increases in the cost of living as ascertained from time to time by the Government Statistician. During the past twelve months, the Court has awarded no less than three bonuses consisting of Id, lid, ana 2Jd an hour to those employed, at hourly rates and of 4s, Bs, and 9s to earners of weekly rates of wages. Owing to the shortage of workers in the building trades, these bonuses have not materially affected tine position of contractors, but iif other callings the employers are feeling very seriously the latest decision of tne Court, which adds 9s a week to the wages of male adults. Grave doubts as to the accuracy or the findings of tlie_ Statistician imve been expressed, and it is expected that the Court will Ire appealed to to reconsider its decision.” Relations with employees was touohed on by the president (Mr a.. Mainland) in an address to delegates. The president said that ■the time tou come tor co-operation with employees and a general scheme should he adopted —something in the nature of a bonus on time service oi; on ability. A definite proposition should be made as a guide to all employers. It was almost certain that, at no distant date the public would demand that employers should reorganise, that they must make a stand to help remove the faults that existed. It was apparent that the men were going to control unless a definite scheme were drawn up, a scheme that would merit respect on all sides. The independence of individuals would have to bo curtailed to a great extent for the welfare of the community. The change of thought to-day was so great that it necessitated a certain amount of subjection on both sides without removing men’s self-respect and individuality. With the ominous signs that threatened to break out into realities the federation should act. It was not Improbable that New. Zealand would give a lead. Why notP