RAND LABOUR CONDITIONS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 14234, 6 March 1914, Page 5

RAND LABOUR CONDITIONS.

THE COST OF LIVING. REPORT OF COMMISSION. Press Association.—Telegraph. —Copyright Received March 6 8.45 a.in. CAPETOWN. March 5. Tlie economic commission's report finds that the cost of living on the Rand is forty per cent higher than in America. and eighty per cent higher than in Europe. Wages are forty per cent higher than in America,, and 225 per cent higher than in Europe, but as the miners labour under many disadvantages their wages are not unreasonable. Competition between the natives and Indians in skilled trades is negligable. The commission discountenances the Government decreeing a standard wage, and considers voluntary arrangements between employers and workers more satisfactory. It is essential that employers should recognise Trade Unions, but the commission recommends protection o non-Unionists. The commission state that white strikers have caused considerable unrest among the natives. It recommends shorter hours, and higher pay for overtime. The report described the Federation of Trade Unions as the second line of defence against industrial war, and urges employers not to refuse to meet the Federation. The commission is unable to conceive why the Federation officials are refused recognition. as the men’s professional representatives, and considers that the demand that’Trade Unions should forego political activities outside the question of recognition, but any over-persuasion in recruiting for Unions involving violence or other illegal action, should be sternly repressed.