WAGES AND COSTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21411, 8 February 1933, Page 13

WAGES AND COSTS

Sir,—The letter by Mr. C. H. Mellsop in the Herald of February 6 is a straightforward statement and rings true except for one omission, tho most important of all in reduction of costs., viz., wages. What is the use of the unions fixing wages at 16s to 18s per day when there is no work at these rates ? Most tradesmen would gladly work for half that on full time and the result would be, if coupled with the other reforms suggested by Mr. Mellsop, that costs would fall by half and 9s per day would be worth as much as the 18s now demanded, but scarcely ever paid. But why blame the Government ? It is not their fault. They would be only too glad to carry out these reforms, but if they did they would not remain in power five minutes and, not being exactly fools, they stay where they are and, to their credit be it said, do their best under most exasperating conditions beset on all sides by clamorous deputations all pulling in opposite directions. That is the whole trouble. Tho country will not allow tho Government, to carry out necessary reforms. Let Mr. Mellsop explain how that difficulty can be overcome and the rest will be easy. Senex.