A WAGES QUESTION.

Timaru Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 11578, 14 October 1901, Page 3

A WAGES QUESTION.

■ To the Editor of the "Timaru Herald." Sir, —At last meeting of the Levels County Council a petition was received from the Council's employees, asking for am increase of wages. A motion was mqved by Councillor Macintosh and carried—" That information as to the rate of wages paid by neighbouring Councils be obtained, and the petition held over," against an adverse motion of not entertaining the request. Now, Mr Macintosh has always posed as the friend of the working man, and he owes his seat on (he Levels Council to the workers, and he loses no opportunity in season and out of season in trying to impress upon the workers that he has their interest at heart. But here we have the fact that when an opportunity offered of doing justice to men who are assuredly underpaid, Mr Macintosh, instead of moving straight out that the request be either declined or acceded to, shuffles out by a side issue. Mr Macintosh presumably knows that 6s per day is' not the ruling fate of wages in the district without consulting other bodies. He. also knows that a considerably higher rate I of wages prevails amongst employees oni I other local bodies with which he is con- ' nected, notably the Borough Council and Harbour Board. He is ever ready to take other members to task who display the least ignorance as to the different matters connected with the working of these bodies, and his action, in this matter will not be forgotten by working mem the next time he appears before them seeking election. I am, etc:', "'"'"-'. '.'"'■' A WORKER..:- ;