QUESTION OF HOURS.

Waikato Times, Volume 113, Issue 18929, 26 April 1933, Page 9

QUESTION OF HOURS.

(To the Editor). SR, —Recehtly the Minister of Finance, ‘ Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, when addressing a -meeting of his constituents ih the Garrison Hall, Paparoa, stated he would entertain any plan put forward that might remedy the nation’s troubles. My -movement, the six hour day,, suggests the following: (1) the setting up of an -industrial tHbUhal, to enquire fully into trade, commerce, and Industry generally, (2) conditions under which employment for ail may be possible; (3) unemployment and. its relationship ' to labour-saving devices; (4) scientific Control of production by industry through the medium of equalising thd hours of Industry; (5) decide as to how many hours eaoli person Is “entitled” to work each week; (9) decide as to how many hours a-manu-facturer Is “entitled” to operate his plant each week. In our opinion, "equalising the hours of industry” is of great Importance, it Is the keynote to prosperity. Here permit me to point out, the six hour day movement is international. Under the general terms of our Bill, a concern with an up-to-date plant could run for twenty-four hours by employing four six-hour shifts, and thus get a monopoly, Owing perhaps to the fact other manufacturers were not so fortunately placed. Hence, I repeat tho absolute necessity of equalising the hours of Industry, both In the case of the Individual and -manufacturing concerns likewise. In conclusion, I believe, the six hour day movement, has at least, one of the keys which will eventually open the door to prosperity and security.— I am, etc., HARRY WOODRUFFE. Auckland, April 20, 1933.