POLITICAL NOTES.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11111, 28 November 1914, Page 7

POLITICAL NOTES.

LABOUR REFORMS. Here is a list of Labour Reforms which have been accomplished in spite of, and not with the aid of, the Labour members. 1. For the first time in the history of New Zealand a minimum wage has been established in the , Public Service.

2. The principle of a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work has been recognised. In increases the present Government has effected the following improvements: — (a) To the railway employees £94,564 per annum. (b) To the school teachers £29,000 per annum. (c) To the police £15,000 per annum. (d) To the Post and Telegraph £48,000 per annum. (e) To the civil servants £51,600 per annum. Old messengers have been decently cared for, and in their old age have been pensioned off in comfort. 0, The important question of effective control in connection with the administration of the Machinery Act has been dealt with after futile attempts made by the Engine Drivers’ Union for many, many years past. 4. The weekly day of rest to waiters and cooks was never granted, and never would have been granted, until the Ward Party went out. It is now law.

5. The secret ballot to prevent members of unions being intimidated in expressing their views as to whether a Union should strike or not, was a valuable contribution towards industrial peace, and was much resented by the class agitators. 6. The Shearers and Agricultural Labourers’ Act made the conditions of those concerned both healthier and happier. 7. Increased pay and liberal conditions 'for troops, who receive Is per day’ more than the South African rate, and, if they are in Government employ, have their superannuation paid tor them during their absence.

8. Pensions to women at 60 instead of 65 and further liberal pension amendment. Cost per annum of this—£Bs,ooo. 9. Military pensions. A nation’s grateful recognition of the services rendered by our grey-headed pioneer soldiers. Cost £48,000 per annum. !0. Penisons to every' child under 14 whose mother is a widow. This humanitarian provision in the law has been long required, and is at last effective.

11. Poor Man’s Defence at Law. Tnis provision is to enable a poor prisoner to secure counsel to aid him in his defence. If the Magistrate approves, the Government will pay the lawyer. 12. Proportional representation. A form of election, the principle of which has been stamped upon by previous Government for 20 years has this year made two great strides. The system is applied to the election of members of the Legislative Opnuncil and may be adopted at any municipal election by decision of the Council. 1914 has been especially distinguished for the unparalleled advance which has been made in electoral reform.

18. Footwear Bill, to prevent the sale of shoddy in boots and shoes, and so do,away with the iniquitous old custom Of selling footwear as real leather which contained brown paper and other perishable substances.

14. Workers’ Homes. What has the Government done in this matter? In years Massey built 345 houses. In 63£ years Ward bnilt 209 houses. In 2years Massey spent £101,683. In 6>4years Ward spent £94,623. —Comment is needless.

15. Advances to workers. In spite of strikes, smallpox and war, the

amount advanced to workers during the last years has been £791,355. 16. The Massey Government put through the {[Plumbers’ Registration Bill, which was a boon to the plumbing trade. 17. For the first time in the history of civil servants they are now to be paid .overtime rates.

18 Civil servants are now permitted to become members of local bodies.

19. National Provident Fund. This lias been amended in the direction of enabling employees to enjoy, the benefits of superannuation. Hitherto these benefits have applied almost exclusively to civil servants, railway servants, school teachers and police. Under the new scheme, employees of local bodies or private employers may take advantage of a proposal which will enable them at a very cheap rate to make provision for themselves, wives and children. 20. Friendly Societies. A Bill was brought down in which it was proposed to pay subventions to Friendly Societies in recognition of the magnificent work which they have done for the State. This matter is still under the consideration of the Societies and as soon as they agree upon a working basis the Government will be prepared to help them. 21. Unemployment: Wherever it could the Government has provided funds to remedy this evil. Despite the severe .financial handicaps th.e confidence of the Government has never faltered. They have contributed largely to tbe present feeling of confidence which exists in commercial circles and to which is due the fact that New Zealand is suffering least of all the British Dominions from the paralysing effects of the great war.