THE PUSHING JAPANESE.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 12441, 6 September 1933, Page 5

THE PUSHING JAPANESE.

CHEAPNESS OF LABOUR. Electric Telegraph—Press Association AUCKLAND, September 5. Evidence that Japaii js 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 Taumaruiiui, who returned' by the Marama from Sydney after a holiday in the East. He said he was impressed by the expressions of bitterness towards Britain, which he had seen ill the Japanese press arising from economic developments between the two countries. Harbours in Japan were crowded with busy shipping, said Mr Godfrey. Throughout J apan no evidence of unemployment was visible to the sightseer, and the people worked 10 hours a day for seven weeks, with a two-days’ holiday a month. An indication of the cheapness of labour was given by the appearance of fruit orchards. Chi acre after acre of trees each fruit was carefully wrapped in thin paper lor protection. The thoroughness of the Japanese workmen was particularly striking. They gave the impression that they were working for tlieir 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, and road labourers received about Is 8d a day. Chauffeurs were paid from Is 6d a day. The daily wage of girl bus conductors was from lid to Is 6d, and of chambermaids from 4d to Is 6d. Motor-bus fares were low, a 10miles’ ride costing eight sen, or a little under IJ<l. Tram fares were even cheaper, a seven-sen ride varying from 10 to 12 miles.