40-HOUR WEEK.

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 19913, 16 June 1936, Page 7

40-HOUR WEEK.

STATEMENT BY MR SAVAGE. MACHINES DISPLACING MEN. LESS HUMAN LABOUR REQUIRED. WELLINGTON, Monday. ”There are some people who refuse to admit that machines are doing the work of men," said the Prime Minister, Mr Savage, when the cabled report of comments made at the international Labour Conference in Geneva by Mr A, (2. Mitchell on the working of the 10-hour wee}; in New Zenland was rei'ered to him this evening. Mr Mitchell in an employers‘ representative on the New Zealnnd delegation to the conferonce.

"Mr Mitchell says that the 40-hour week will send God's own country at 101) speed to the devil,“ Mr Savage said. “That is his opinion, but for years now machines have been displacing men from industry, production is increasing. and less human labour is required. The only way to meet the situation is to maintain the average inun's standard of living, or improve it it possible. and at the same time see [0 it that he works a shorter working day, a shorter working week and ultimately a shorter working life. 1 would like anyone in Geneva). or anywhere else to prove that. that is wrong.

"Some people appear to object to reductions ln working hours because may hold that the working man is not fitted to use the additional leisure which would be provided for him. There are plenty of leisured people to-day who seem to be able to enjoy their leisure to the lull. At any rate,

u worklnq hour. are reduced Iv. wlll be the du'ty of mo Government. to provlde faellltloo to onaure that the worklno man wlll be able to make profitable use of his Incl-used lolnuro."