FIXING A LIVING WAGE.

Waikato Argus, Volume XXXV, Issue 5535, 17 February 1914, Page 3

FIXING A LIVING WAGE.

CABLEGRAMS

United Press Association. By Electric Telegraph-Copyright

THE DETERMINING FACTOR. REQUIREMENTS, NOT ABILITY, Received 8.50 p.m., 16th. Sydney, February 1(5. Judgment was delivered by Mr Justice Heydon today in the inquiry respecting the cost of living and a living wage. After a lengthy review of the advance in rents and other factors which'have led to the increased cost of living, the judgment declares that a living wage must relate to the humblest class of worker. The stanJard must clearly be his, otherwise there will be as many living wages as classes.

Mr Heydon says a living wage is the lowest which any male adult should receive, and is based, not on the value of his work, but on his requirements as a man in a civilised community, which has resolved that, so far as the laws can do it. competition shall no longer be allowed to crush him into sweating conditions

The Judge finds that a living wage for Sydney workers ij 48s weekly for nil average dependent family of four, as against £2 Us (Id suggested by the secretary of the Labour Council.