THE WAGES CUT.

Waikato Times, Volume 109, Issue 18349, 8 June 1931, Page 7

THE WAGES CUT.

APPROVED IN TRADING CIRCLES. THE PREMIER SATISFIED. (Special to Times.) WELLINGTON, Saturday.' In financial and business circles the general opinion here is favourable towards the 10 per cent reduction in wages prescribed by the Arbitration Court after a close and searching examination of the circumstances. On the first announcement of the Court’s decision it was generally understood that a large majority of the workers were disposed to fall in with the views of the Court, but to-day there arc reports of dissatisfaction and protests among others than the inevitable malcontents. The Prime Minister makes light of the threats of obstruction from disgruntled workers, and is satisfied 'the Court has pointed the way towards very materially lessening the lane of unemployment. “I am sure," he said, reiterating his statement at Christchurch, “that we now shall bo able to meet the conditions and overcome the difficulties that confront us." It is a development earnestly to be desired. Position In Christchurch. The announcement that the Christchurch City Council is raising a loan of £.’39,500 for the relief of unemployment and is expecting a contribution of a further £42,500 from the Unemployment Board has aroused a good deal of interest and comment here. The announcement that the “wages cut" is to be cancelled and the reparation made retrospective has occasioned still more discussion, however, and Christchurch is being mentioned as a lliappy hunting ground of the unemployed. Probably the piolure has been made more alluring at a distance I ban it really is in fact, and I lie ferry boats are not yet being crowded by eager unemployed anxious to improve their conditions and enlarge their pay. Unless Christchurch is insisting upon more adequate jservico than Wellington Is obtaining it will find its £39,000 a very fleeting investment, and its Labour councillors will need many excuses for the paucity of the fruit of their good intentions.

NOTICE TO MINERS. REDUCTION TO BE ENFORCED. Notice has been given by the Coalmine Owners’ Federation to the unions concerned that the 10 per cent, reduction in wages, in accordance with the general order of ihe Arbilralion Court, will lie enforced as from to-day.