NEW BASIC WAGE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 229, 27 August 1932, Page 7

NEW BASIC WAGE.

SUBSTANTIAL DEDUCTION. DECISION IN NEW SOUTH WALES. SYDNEY, Aug. 26. The Industrial Commission appointed by the New South Wales Government after the elections, consisting of three judges, with Mr Justice Broiyne as chairman, conducted an exhaustive inquiry into the cost of living with a view to determining a new basic wage for male and female employees. Their decision was announced to-day, when they declared a basic wage of £3 10s for males and £1 18s for females. This represents a drop of 12s 3d in the case of males and 6s 6d in the case of females.

The commission expressed the opinion that the proper amount allowable for shelter or rent was 18s, for clothing 10s Bd, miscellaneous 17s 4d, food and groceries 245. The male wage is based on the needs of a man, wife and one child. It is estimated that the State Government will save £163,000 for every shilling the wage is reduced. On the other hand, the Government will lose a substantial sum annually on the unemployment relief tax by reason of lbwer wages. The Government hopes that the falling off of the unemployed relief tax will bo counterbalanced by increased employment. Trade circles calculate that the drop in the basic wage will reduce the State wage bill by £8,750,000. Employees’ unions are surprised at the heavy reduction of 12s 6d in the case of males and declare that it will be most difficult for families to pay their way. It will also make trade worse by further curtailing the spending power of the workers by at least £7,500,000.