The Wanganui Chronicle THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1950. EQUAL PAY FOR EQUAL WORK

Wanganui Chronicle, 7 September 1950, Page 4

The Wanganui Chronicle THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1950. EQUAL PAY FOR EQUAL WORK

N EW Zealand delegates to the International Labour Conference at Geneva supported the principle of equal pay for equal work, irrespective of sex. Those delegates, however, have realised, and they promptly pointed out. that introduction of such a scheme without due thought, and perhaps discrimination, would have a very serious effect on the economy of the country, an effect not confined merely to pounds, shillings and pence. A short study of the effect of such a scheme is sufficient to convince anyone that its introduction in a full sense could have very serious repercussions, not only upon women workers, but upon workers generally. There are industries and professional callings in which women have proved themselves not only the equal of men, but their superiors. But the economy of this country still looks to man as the breadwinner, and under the British conception of life, the home is the real foundation of the nation. If -woman is to be elevated to equal status with man in the professions and in industry—as a matter of fact in a professional sense she is almost there now, and by man’s express wish—then she will rather become his competitor than his helpmeet. If that, proves of detriment to home life then there is something more than just the p£y envelope to be thought of .Woman, if industry beckons too alluringly, will surely cease, to regard motherhood as one of life’s missions, and destruction of family life, as wo have known it in this Dominion down the years, will be in jeopardy. In times of plenty, when labour is short, women can, and do, respond to the call of men for help in the working hours outside the home, but if circumstances arise in which work is difficult to obtain, man is sflrely hound to resent competing with his wife, or his neighbour’s wife, for the one job. Women’s part in the economy and production of the country is important, and in 1 imes of emergency she has risen to a standard to be admired, but it is a very debatable point wheteher she should be regarded as man’s equal, and, therefore, his competitor for the salaries and the wages meant for the breadwinner. Nobody begrudges woman her new found freedom and independence, but that independence must not. develop to such an extent that the economy of the country has to be recast. If carried to finality it. could bo that man, having seen his wife elevated to equality with him in industry, would find himself struggling with the housework and home chores while his better half was out winning the bread. That does happen in some cases now. but because of peculiar circumstances. It would be a drastic change indeed, were it made universal.