WAGES AND HOURS.

Waikato Times, Volume 118, Issue 19662, 23 August 1935, Page 9

WAGES AND HOURS.

1 (To the Editor-) j Sir, —Mr George A. SlOan, chairman of the Cotton Textile Cotie Authority ] and also 'of the Cotton Textile Institute, issued an important statement, which was continued by General Hugh Johnson, .upon “shorter hours and increased wages.” He reduced the work week from 54 to 40 hours. Ho increased the average 'hourly wage rate by 70 per cent. Under the code the industry was able to maintain a level during ten months of operation of 120,000 employees in excess of those employed in March, 1933. In fact, at certain periods the increase reached the height of 140,000 persons, Even in the present slack time (October, 1034) the figure still stands at over 100,000 above March, 1 933. The influx of new workers during this first ten months increased the payrolls as icompared. with 'the ten months prior to -the code of 113,000,000, or 78 per cent, thus demonstrating the immense increase in purchasing power that became available in mill communities. Further/ it was separate and distinct from any Increase In the cotton mill business, as the volume of production was only 3 per cent, greater, 'the weekly income of cotton mill workers, notwithstanding the shorter week, averaged G per cent, above the 1929. index figures, when adjusted to changes,in the cost of living. I am, etc., STATISTICS. Hamilton, August 21, 1935.