COST OF LIVING BONUS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18211, 3 October 1922, Page 6

COST OF LIVING BONUS.

APPROACHING ADJUSTMENT.

CUT OF 4s POSSIBLE.

RECENT DROP IN PRICES.

[BX TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] WELLINGTON. Monday. The next pronouncement of the Arbitration Court on the cqst of living bonus question is being keenly awaited in labour circles. From present indications it is anticipated that, the Court will make a general order reducing rates of remuneration >by a further 4s. When the last pronouncement was made in May reducing the bonus by ss, a strong protest was made on behalf of the labour organisations and the Court was urged to stabilise wages for a further period, but this request was not agreed to. The adjustment of -wages is made according to the rise or fall in the cost of living figures over a six-monthly period, the calculations of the Government statistician being taken as the basis of computation. Between May and August last th© variation in the monthly index figures was so slight as to give rise to the hope on the part of trades unions that no serious induction in the bonus would be due when the six-monthly period expired. It is understood, however, that during September there was a drop in the cost of living which, if it is Maintained, should be sufficient to justify the Arbitration Court in ordering a further fall of 4s in the weekly rates of remuneration for adult male workers'. In view of the possibility that the Court will order such a reduction, labour organisations arei getting ready to discuss the advisability or otherwise of resisting any further decrease. So far as Wellington is concerned the matter is being taken in hand by the Trades and Labour Council and a conference of representatives of all unions is to be held for the purpose of deciding what action shall be taken. A prominent official of the council stated to-day that labour could do nothing etee but make a protest Should the Court order another reduction.