IDLE FLAXWORKERS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LI, Issue 29, 5 January 1931, Page 6

IDLE FLAXWORKERS.

SUBSIDY ON WAGES

REQUEST BY UNEMPLOYMENT

COMMITTEE.

The attitude of the fiaxworkers in view of the recent pronouncement of the Arbitration Court was discussed at the meeting of the Palmerston North Unemployment Committee today

Mr J. Lowden said that at 10s a day a large number of the flaxworkers were insolvent. They wished to keep faith with those who had granted them generous credit, but it would bo impossible for them to do so on a wage of 10s a day. Mr A. E. Mansford said that the industry' was a productive one and returned a certain amount of wealth to the country and the district. The flaxworkers were asked to accept 10s a day, and work on farms and unproductive works in the town was subsidised by 7s a day. The position was unfair.

The chairman: A small subsidy on their wages would mean a lot, and would be an excellent way of administering the Unemployment Fund.

Mr Lowden: A subsidy of even 2s on the amended wage would enable them to work. I feel sure that all would fjtart again at 12s a day. Mr Allerby: I would suggest 3s or 4s.

Mr Graham pointed out that the cost of living in Foxton and Shannon was low compared with. some other towns and 12s would go as far there as 14s in the other places. It was decided to write to the Comsioner of Unemployment and request a subsidy of 2s a day, to enable the 350 or 400 men to return to work at the flaxmills.

REOPENING OF MILLS.

NO PROSPECT IN FOXTON

(From Our Own Correspondent.) FOXTON, Jan. 5. At present thero is no prospect of the fiaxmiils reopening in Foxton and millers who have been approached on the matter say that they do not think that any of them will be starting up until some satisfactory arrangement can be come to with the men.

A meeting of the Flajcmillers’ Association is being held to-day.