CONDITIONS IN JAPAN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22051, 6 September 1933, Page 8

CONDITIONS IN JAPAN

WORKING AT HIGH PRESSURE BITTERNESS TOWARDS BRITAIN (Special to Daily Times.) AUCKLAND, September 6. Evidence that Japan is an extremely virile nation working at intense pressure is apparent even to a visitor touring that country for pleasure, according to Mr L. G. Godfrey, of Taumaranui, who returned by the Marama from Sydney aftei a holiday in the East. He said he was impressed by the expressions of bitterness toward Britain, which he had seen in the Japanese press arising from the economic developments between the two countries. The harbours in Japan were crowded with busy shipping, said Mr Godfrey. Throughout Japan no evidence of unemployment was visible to the sightseer, and the people worked 10 hours a day for seven days a week with two days' holiday a month. An indication of the cheapness of labour was given by the appearance of fruit orchards on acre after acre of trees. Each fruit was carefully wrapped in thin paper for protection. The thoroughness of Japanese workmen was particularly striking. They gave the impression that they were working for their country first, their employer second, and themselves last. At the present values of New Zealand currency Japanese farm labourers were paid from Is 2d to Is 6d a day, road labourers received about Is 8d a day, and chauffeurs were paid from Is 6d a day. The daily wage of girl bus con? ductors varied from lid to Is 6d, and of chambermaids from 4d to Is 6d. Motor bus fares were low, a 10 miles' ride costing eight sen, or a little under ljd. Tram fares were even cheaper, a seven sen ride varying from 10 to 12 miles.