SCATHING CRITICISM.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13284, 16 June 1936, Page 5

SCATHING CRITICISM.

TOP SPEED TO THE DEVIL.” RESULT OF N.Z. 40-HOUR WEEK United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, June 14 The Geneva correspondent of The Times says that Air A. S. Mitchell, the New Zealand employers’ delegate to- the International Labour Conference, attacked the 40-hour week proposals as threatening serious repercussions in New Zealand, which owing to the vulnerability of her extensive export trade was less able than any other country in the wcrlci tc> introduce the drastic experiment oi mandatorily maintaining the rate or pay previously earned in a 44-hour week. The passing of such a proposal into law would send “God’s own country” at top speed to 1 the devil, an unenviable experience which he hoped .she would be spared.

PRIME MINISTER'S REPLY. Electric Teiegraph—Press Association WELLINGTON, Last Night. “There are some people who refuse to admit that machines are doing the work of men,” said the Prime Minister. (Air Savage) when the* cabled report of the comments made at the International Labour Conference in Genova by Air A. C. Mitchell on the working of the 40-hour week in New Zealand" were referred to him this evening. Air Mitchell is an employers’ representative on. the New Zealand delegation to the conference. “Air Mitchell says that the 40-hour week will send God’s Own Country at top speed to the devil,” Mr Savage said. “That is his opinion, but for years now machines have been displacing men from industry, production is increasing, and less human labour is required. The only way to meet the situation is to maintain the average man’s standard or living, or improve* it if possible, and at the same time see to it that lie works a shorter working day. a shorter working week, and ultimately jg shorter working life. 1 would like any one* in Geneva er anywhere else to prove that that is wrong. “Some people appear to object to reductions in working hours because they hold that the working man is net fitted to use the additional leisure which would be provided for him. There are plenty of leisured people to-day who seem to be able to enjev their leisure to the full, and at any rate, as tin* working hours are reduced it will be the duty of the Government to provide facilities to ensure that the working man will be able to make profitable use of his increased leisure.”