EARNING THE INCREASE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22972, 25 February 1938, Page 15

EARNING THE INCREASE

Sir, —In his recent statement on the increased value of our output Mr. Savage stated that <' show that the people are earning their increased wages." These details are given in the abstract just published and they enablo us to sec clearly enough what foundation tho Priaio Minister had for his statement. For the year 1934-35 our secondary industries had an output valued at £31,881,279. During tho year 1936-37 the wholesale prices of locally-produced commodities were 10.7 per cent higher than those for the year 1934-35. This should have raised the value to £35,292,575. The number of employees was 24.2 per cent greater. This should have further increased the value to £43,833,378, but in actual fact our secondary industry output for 1936-37 had a value of only £41,750,450. That is to say the employees were getting 13.3 per cent higher wages and wero earning the increase by producing 4.6 per cent less goods per man. What other result would anyone have expected? Working hours have ben reduced, holidays have been increased, and we have leaders who constantly stress the value of leisure and who just as constantly ignore the value of work. Thus the Labour Government's policy and teaching are loading us down with costs while giving us diminished service, -and the statement of Mr. Savage is not only not justified by the details he cited but is proved by them to be directly contrary to fact. Not one farthing of the additional wages is being earned with additional service. On the contrary industry is paying far higher wages and is getting substantially less in service. J. Johnston®, Manurewa.