WORK AND WAGES.

Colonist, Volume LVII, Issue 13729, 18 March 1915, Page 4

WORK AND WAGES.

NEW ZEALAND ARBITEATION

COURT.

[United Press Association.]

Wellington, March 17. The employers' reply to the workers' contention that the Arbitration Court should resume the hearing of industrial disputes was heard to-day. Mr. W. Pryor ? secretary of the Employers' Federation, said that upon the decision of the Court depended to a considerable extent the existence of some businesses, the question as to farther increases or prices in certain directions, and the employment of a not inconsiderable number of workers. The Court was really called upon to decide a momentous national question. Mr. Justice* Stringer said that was too sweeping a statement. The applicai tiion was only to open the doors of - the Court. If industry would be so seriously affected as to close it up, if an award were made, the Court must be giveu credit for recognising that. Continuing, Mr Pryor contended that the application was not calculated to assist the employers in their endeavour to maintain normal conditions. It was really an application to enable workers unions to prosecute their claims for higher wages, shorter hours, and more restricted conditions of work. Workers desired the Court to infer that, because prices had risen in some directions, employers were making enhanced profits It must be obvious that, unless manufacturers and traders were taking advantage of t<he needs of the people, since the demand fell as the price rosp they must be doing less profitable business'than before the war. He pro->)o-od to submit information which would *l:ow that the employers were not only earning smaller profits, but W ip, in many cases, carrying on business absolutely at a loss.

A "roll of service/ containing the names of all former pupils who serve with the colours, will be compiled lor each London County Council school.