LABOUR PROBLEMS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 19 March 1927, Page 9

LABOUR PROBLEMS.

BIG ISSUE TO BE CONSIDERED

By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.

(Received March 18, 5.5 p.m.) SYDNEY, March IS

A conference of the tAVO Houses have resumed the discussion on the basic and family endoAvment problems.

Three schemes, in opposition to the Government proposals, are under consideration. First, that the basic wage remain unchanged until June, Avhen the Industrial Commissioner be asked to fix the new basic wage on the understanding that it Avill be supplemented by the child endowment;

Second, that the Commissioner fix the basic Avage for man and wife, with the endoAvment for children of those whose salaries do not exceed a certain amount; Third, the endowment of children whose parents are in necessitous circumstances.

An accountant for Morts Dock, giving evidence before the Legislative Council, Committee, declared that there would be no alternative but for the dock to close if the family endowment scheme became law. The Company was now making a 5 per cent, profit, but with the Bill operating, it would be reduced to one per cent. The stoppage would mean idling over 1500 men.

FEDERAL QUESTIONS

ASSURING TAXATION YIELDS

By Cable—Press Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.

(Received March 18, 5.5 p.m.)

MELBOURNE, March IS

In the House of Representatives, Mr Charlton, in seeking to reduce supply for the Public Board, by £l, practically moved a vote of censure on the Government, for its action in disapproving the determination of the Arbitrator, which increased from £SOO to £6OO, the salary of federal public servants, at which the child allowance was to be paid.

Mr Bruce, explaining the Government’s proposed returning to the old limit, said the Arbitrator’s decision bad passed the Executive Council by inadvertance, and was not discoverde until the public service regulations were being consolidated. The debate and House was adjourned till Monday.