WAGES AND TRADE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21516, 13 June 1933, Page 13

WAGES AND TRADE

Sir, —I agree with "Pekau" that if workers were paid higher wages, they would have more to spend. But ho appears to overlook the fact that the amount paid to workers is exactly balanced by the amount paid by employers; the workers have more to spend, the employers less —result; as you were. If the workers, including all who perform useful work, whether on wages or otherwise, wish to increase the amount of money available, they must produce more goods for sale, by working longer hours, working faster, or by any other means within their power. Only thus can they hope to have more for distribution.* In dealing with our present troubles it may bo well to remember that our past prosperity was largely the result of tho high expenditure of borrowed money and money brought into the country by immigrants, much of which was used to break in the country, usually at a heavy loss to those engaged in such work. But high wages were paid, and a standard of living set up, far in advance of that prevailing in most countries. Now that we have to depend on our own resources, it remains to be seen whether we will be able to maintain that standard. Rustic.