EFFECT OF BASIC WAGE

Southland Times, Issue 23181, 23 April 1937, Page 7

EFFECT OF BASIC WAGE

POLICY OF EMPLOYERS (United Press Association) DUNEDIN, April 22. In his report to the High Schools Board Mr H. P. Kitson, rector of the Boys’ High School, stated that one effect of the basic wage legislation had been that a far greater proportion of boys had left before reaching the age of 17 years and any inquiry from employers for boys was almost always accompanied by a stipulation that they should not be over 16. If this attitude persisted it was clear that the only boys remaining at school beyond 16 would be those going for the professions, the Public Service or such few occupations as remained ungovemed by awards. Mr Kidson concluded: “The Government’s recent legislation is, of. course, the immediate cause of this situation. It must be said that employers, either through lack of appreciation of what it means ’or because they are really afraid of adding even a small amount to their costs are not making the best of it. Moreover the large corporations and the bigger businesses are . most rigid in pursuing a policy which in the long run will, I think, be to their own harm.”