ECONOMIC COMMISSION'S REPORT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLVIII, Issue XLVIII, 6 March 1914, Page 5

ECONOMIC COMMISSION'S REPORT

SOME WEIGHTY -OBSERVATIONS

(Press Association.—Copyright). (Received March 6. 8.45 a.m ) CAPETOWN, .March 5.

The Economic Commission's report finds that the cost of living on the Rand is 40 per cent, higher than in America, 80 per cent, higher than in Europe. Wages arc 40 per cent, higher than in America, and 225 per cent, higher than in Europe, but as miners' labour has many disadvantages, their wages are not unreasonable. Competition between the natives. Indians, and skilled trades is negligible. It discountenances the Government, decreasing the standard wage. Voluntary agreements between employers and workers are more satisfactory. It is essential that employers recognise trade unions. The report goes on to recommend the protection of non-union-ists, and states that strikes caused considerable unrest among the natives. Shorter hours are recommended, and higher pay for overtime. It describes; the federation of trade unions as a second line of defence against industrial war, and urges employers not to refuse to meet the federation. The Commission is unable to conceive why federation officials are refused recognition as the men's professional representatives, and considers the demand that trade unions should forego political activities outside the question of recognition, but any over-persuasion of recruiting for unions, involving violence and other illegal action, should be sternly repressed.