Cost of Living.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 55, 6 March 1914, Page 5

Cost of Living.

A REPORT ON TIME RAND.

INTERESTING INFORMATION.

[By Electric Telegraph—Copyright]

Times and Sydney Sun Services. (Received 8.45 a.m.) Capetown, March 5. The Economic Commission’s report finds that the cost of living on the Rand is forty per cent, higher than in America, and eighty per cent, higher than in' Europe. The wages are forty per cent, higher than in America and 225 per cent, higher than in Europe. But (states the report) as the miners labor under many disadvantages, their wages are not unreasonable. ■ Competition between the Natives and Indians in the skilled trades is negligible, and the report discountenances the Government decreeing a standard wage. Voluntary arrangements between employers and workers were more satisfactory. It was essential that the employers recognise trade unions. The Commission recommends the protection .of non-unionists and states that the whit© strikers caused considerable unrest among the Natives. Shorter hours are recommended and higher pay for overtime. The report described * the Federation of trade unions as a second lino of defence against industrial war, and urges employers not to refuse to meet the Federation.

The Commission was unable to conceive why the federation officials were refused recognition as the men’s professional representatives. It considers that the demand that trade unions should forego political activities is outside the question of recognition, but any over-persuasion and recruiting for unions involving violence and other illegal action Should he sternly repressed.