HIGHER WAGES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24776, 28 November 1941, Page 6

HIGHER WAGES

application by workers further Submissions to court (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Nov. 27. The general position of the national economy was dealt with in the Arbitration Court this morning when argument was continued on behalf of the unions applying for a general order for an increase in wages. The finance arrangements between the Gbvernment and the Reserve Bank, the increase in the note issue, war-time export arrangements, and the financial position of the farming community were the main points discussed, f For the applicants, Mr. A. McLagan submitted that there was no suggestion of inflation, and there need be no fear of it if the court granted a further increase in wages. Generally, New Zealand could face the future with a realisation that, compared with the average export returns over the last few years, the future was secure, and there was a guarantee of financial stability.

" The workers of the Dominion have accepted many sacrifices in their endeavour to raise the Dominion's war effort to the maximum," concluded Mr McLagan. " That they have done their part is clearly proved by the production figures. The rising cost of living in comparison with the fixed rates of wages represents, however, a burden which menaces the maintenance of their rate of production. 'lf they are to/continue to givs of their best, it is necessary that they should be protected against the effects of the increased cost of living. Even the official index shows that prices have increased by 5.3 per cent, since June, 1940, the date taken into consideration during the previous application. It is clear from consideration of the official index and of the relevant facts that the cost of living has increased by much more than 5.3 per cent. We therefore ask the court to take this into consideration, to remember that the relevant position of the wage earners has become worse since the previous application to this court, and to grant an increase in wages of 7.8 per cent, to compensate for this, and to enable the wage-earners to continue to do their part in raising New Zealand's war effort to the maximum."