COST OF LIVING.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXVI, Issue 18018, 5 November 1920, Page 4

COST OF LIVING.

, THE NEW BONUS. PROTEST BY EMPLOYERS’ FEDERATION. (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Nov. 4. Referring to the Arbitration Court’s announcement in regard to a new cost of living bonus, Mr. Pryor, secretary of the New Zealand Employers’ Federation, said the Court’s decision pronouncement came as a staggering blow to the employers of the Dominion and will mean placing a further burden upon the general community by an additional increase in the cost of living. Very great anxiety is being expressed by the employers throughout the Dominion. Indications are not wanting that in many directions ability to pass these increases on is very nearly at an end, and that many trades and industries will be seriously affected in consequence. Referring to the Court's policy in this matter, Mr. Pryor said: The Federation’s interpretation of sections 18 and 19 of the War Legislation and Statute Law Amendment Act does not agree with that placed upon them by the Court, and legal opinion strengthens the view that the Court had discretionary powers in the matter. The Court, however, in adopting the view that the clauses are mandatory, awarded the bonuses strictly in keeping with the Statistician’s estimated increase in the cost of living. A meeting of the Parliamentary committee of the Federation was held this afternoon to consider the position, and it was decided to approach the Government lor a repeal of the clauses in question in order that the Arbitration Court might be free to give its decisions after having taken all material circumstances into consideration. It also resolved to urge that while allowing for increase in the cost of living and the ability of the employers and the public to pay, the effects so far as a further increase in the cost of living was concerned might be dealt with and provided for. The Federation contended Parliament should deal with the matter at once.