WORK AND PAY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22141, 21 June 1935, Page 15

WORK AND PAY

gi r) —i n approving the restoration of cuts, Mr. R. Douglas Stewart says that "Until the purchasing power of the people is increased, it is stupid to talk of turning the corner." It all depends how this increased purchasing; power of the people is brought about. Simply increasing salaries and wages so that certain people have more to spend, regardless of the extent and value ot services rendered, is not likely to help us very far round the corner, unless it be the wrong corner. Undoubtedly times are hard for us all, and if governing bodies go on increasing expenditure and inflicting the costs upon others, then we ivill soon reach a time when the taxpayers and employers of labour in other industries will be non-existent. Already very many of those who are not able to pass on their responsibilities are in a queer predicament. They own properties, and are liable for rates, interest, insurance, repairs, etc., and have no income. It never seems to occur to those who talk so plausibly about higher wages, etc., that every concession given, of necessity settles down somewhere an extra burden upon others. During the boom time too much argument and misrepresentation was noised about owing to a temporary increase in the value of our exports, and most people got the idea that produce exporters were gaining far more than they really were. At all events any increase in their income was well deserved, and came to them from outside sources to the mutual benefit of all classes, and now that export values have so much depreciated, the only sound policy is for all to share in the deflation forced upon us. If any exception to this rule is to be made, then the incomes and wages of those engaged in our primary industry should be given preference. 1 take it that the meaning of the term "primary industry" is that "it is of primary importance to the Dominion." To the contrary, however, we find that thousands of this • section are working hard at a loss to themselves, and others are just ekeing out a bare existence, rather than break up their homes and go out unemployed. Mr. Coates says that 50 per cent of them are virtually bankrupt. In the meanwhile taxation is rising higher and higher, and the long looked-for corner is further and further away in the distance. How can anything else be expected ? Square Deal.