THE WAGES QUESTION.

Waikato Times, Volume XV, Issue 1248, 29 June 1880, Page 3

THE WAGES QUESTION.

TO THE EDITOE. Sir, — When reading your leader in Thursday a issue re labor' 1 question, I met with a statement that grated very harshly on myself and others — laboring men. You gave two conditions upon which cooperation of employer and employed should rest, namely — the employer must receive reasonable profit, and the laborer mußt receive sufficient for his own and his family's support. I take the literal interpretation of the latter to be — sufficient for support, and that only ; and I take support to mean-— sufficient for maintenance, and that only for the time being. Now, sir, I think the laboring man ought to receive something more than support. What is to maintain him in sickness and old age. P»radventure, you will retort that a great many drink what is above providing food and raiment. They do, and perhaps more— more shame on them, — but this is not a valid reason why those who do not act so foolishly, but who are anxious to save something for a rainy day, as it is called, should be debarred from doing so. I certainly think employer and employed should give and take when evidently necessary ; but, sir, my contention is that the workman should have more than just sufficient to keep body and soul together. In such times as these I conceive reason dictate? that the employer should economise in the expenditure necessary to secure his present ease and pleasure, and not expect or desire to recoup the deficit from or out of his workman. lam not a farm laborer, so shall not in a direct manner feel the reduction of wages, but I certainly sympathise with those who may be called upon to labor for — if some have their way — 3s 6d a day of twelve hours. — I am, &c, G.M. Hamilton, June 26, 1880.