BAR TO EMPLOYMENT.

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20248, 17 July 1937, Page 4

BAR TO EMPLOYMENT.

THE BASIC WAGE LIMIT. EXTENSION ADVOCATED. (By Telegraph.—Special to Times.) NAPIER, Friday. “ I feel we as a chamber and others interested should get the Government to recognise that 21 years of age is absurd as the basic wage limit—we might get 23,” said the chairman, Mr H. E. Edgelv, at a meeting of the Chamber of Commerce. “ Some of these unions will sacrifice any member of their union rather than forego their principles,” said Mr R. M. Chadwick, the secretary. Mr Chadwick quoted tho case of a shop proprietor who had been endeavouring to help a young man, but had had to discharge him because of the Labour Department’s attitude. “ Unless the employer gets the assistance of the union secretaries it is going to be difficult.” said Mr L. Pickering. ”We have been up against it by employing boys at the request of the "Youth Employment Committee. Mr Chadwick said he knew of several offices who had put boys Into the business, although there was no labour for them. The same was happening In industry. Mr Edgely: If we want 25 years as the age limit we will have to keep hammering at it. We can’t wait for Mr Peter Fraser. It was decided to write to the Associated Chambers of Commerce urging them to continue their efforts in connection with the basic wage.