INTEREST TAKEN IN DOMINION

Western Star, 6 April 1939, Page 3

INTEREST TAKEN IN DOMINION

AUSTRALIAN PEOPLE

DEMAND FOR REDUCTION OF HOURS

DUNEDIN, April 4. One of the strongest recollections of n eight weeks’ visit to Australia, which be has just completed, was stated by Vlr E. T. Moller to be that of a nation keenly interested in the various “exleriments” at present in progress in Mew Zealand. Mr Moller, who returned oy the Maunganui, said that the people were vitally interested in happenings in New Zealand and that the Dominion’s xample was before the •lectors as something worthy of emulation. During a by-election held while he was in Sydney, one of the chief slogans in the Labour camp was “Folow New Zealand.” Mr Moller said that he formed the View that if the Federal Labour Party could find a suitable leader, a big proportion of the electorate would be prepared to substitute a Labour Government for the present regime. It was probably in view of this that such keen interest was being taken in 'New Zealand affairs under Labour control. Mr Moller said that he had also been impressed by the attitude to the 40hour week in New South Wales and Victoria, i The Labour element was clamouring for a reduction of hours and displayed its vociferpusness in this connection during the Labour Day celebrations, when some of the banners and placards went so far as to demand a 30-hour, week, instead of the existing 44-hour period, but there appeared to be little real opposition from the emoloyers to the 40-hour week. Most of were quite prepared to accept it and had resigned themselves to it. This did not mean, however, that they were likely to be equally complacent about the substantial wage increases which, the Labour interests hoped would accompany the shorter working week. The combined effect of both on industry was regarded as something to be feared.