THE FINANCIAL OUTLOOK.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LI, Issue 28, 3 January 1931, Page 8

THE FINANCIAL OUTLOOK.

(To the Editor.) Sir,—ln reply to “Subscriber, whose letter appeared oil the 31st ult., allow me to say that because a thing is simple is no proof it is unworkable. Besides, I do not think that a sliding scale of wages alone will solve our present financial conditions, although it may help us to better meet similar conditions in the future. But Ido think that if wages and other charges are t? be reduced to meet the present position, the sliding scale of wages will at least be fair and equitable in operation. I am not a lawyer, but if wages all round are to be reduced, say ten per cent., then I certainly think that legal and other charges will have to come down accordingly. “Subscriber” agrees with the sentiments expressed in my first letter and says that costs must come down all round, and begin at the top. That is precisely what I am advocating, ana what the sliding scale of wages would accomplish. The present method (r) ot reducing wages in some quarters and not in others is both clumsy and unjust. If any sacrifice is tobe made, every man, woman and child in the Dominion ought to be called upon to face the music. I am not so simple as to imagine that the sliding scale or wages is going to cause all our present financial troubles to pass away like dew before the morning sunshine. Ine wages of inflation are deflation, ine last par in “Subscriber’s letter is simply delicious. Mr Oram is not sheltering behind a nom-de-plume. There is not the slightest connection between Mr Oram and “Sheldon ; as a matter of fact, I scarcely know Mr Oram. I have no special desire to appear as a champion for Mr Oram—he is quite able to look after himself—but as one who had previously advocated the sliding scale of wages I considered 1 was quite within my rights in advocating it further. I am, <*g kELDON Palmerston North, 2-1-31.