40-Hr. Week Hindering War Effort

Northern Advocate, 12 April 1940, Page 7

40-Hr. Week Hindering War Effort

The 40-hour week was hindering the country’s war.effort, stated speakers at the Northern Ward dairy conference at Whangarei. A remit from the Maungaturoto Dairy Company expressing the opinion that the operation of a 40hcur week should be suspended for the duration of the war, in view of the urgent and absolute necessity for every section of the community to make the greatest possible contribution to New Zealand’s war effort, met with wholehearted support. In introducing the remit, Mr D. A. Finlayson (Maungaturoto) said that his company felt that the 40-hour week should be suspended for the duration of the war at least. Voice: “And for ever afterwards.” Mr Finlayson: I agree with that. “The 40-h.our week is not workable in this country. “It has brought about a very serious increase in costs, especially those applicable to the dairy industry. “France tried the 40-hour week, but found that it brought about chaotic conditions and was suspended. “We should get back to the 48-hour without an increase in wages. “The 40-hour week is hindering this country’s war effort.”

Exchange. —Foreign exchange rates, says a London cable, are: New York (dollar), 4.03; Montreal (dollar), 4.45; Paris (franc). 1765; Amsterdam (gr.), 7.555; Brussels (belga), 23.025; Milan (lire), 68.00; Hong Kong (.dollar), 14 57-64; Shanghai (dollar), 4£d; Stockholm (kr.), 16.90; Copenhagen (kr.), not quoted; Batavia (fl.), 7.44 to 7.54; Oslo (kr.), not quoted; Geneva (fr.), 17.90; Bombay (rupee), 18d; Kobe (yen), 16 19-64; Buenos Ayres (pes.), 17.175.