19 MARCH 1921, Page 14

A VOLUNTARY REDUCTION IN WAGES. (To THE EDITOR or THE

" SPECTATOR.")

Sia,—The employees of Messrs. Robert Williams and Sons (Gorton), Ltd., Gorton, Manchester, were glad to read the reference you made in your issue of March 5th regarding their voluntary reduction of 10 per cent. in wages. We are pleased to see that at last a Press opinion has been stated. It is everywhere acknowledged that wages must come down if any. thing like a normal state of affairs is to come again, but every. body seems shy in facing the fact. The voluntary reduction of wages of one small section of workers can have little effect on

the general trend of prices, but if the example set could be taken up more generally, then by a general reduction in the cost of production a corresponding increase of trade would result. The relations between masters and men are every- where approaching a crisis, and unless both sides commence to take a long view of the situation disaster in the industrial world is bounfl to result. What is needed is for employers and employees to unite together to make one common sacrifice, so that by a reduction of wages and a reduction of profits the present inflation of prices may be brought down.—I am, Sir,

Chatsworth Mills, Manchester. (Office Staff).