The Henson Journals
Mon 4 July 1921
Volume 30, Page 46
[46]
Monday, July 4th, 1921.
How can the just demand of the workers for a higher standard of life be satisfied without so raising the costs of production as to lead to a paralysis of industry? It is becoming increasingly obvious that failure to find an answer to this dilemma will sooner or later mean revolution.
Eleanor Rathbone
This is the concluding paragraph of an article in the current issue of the Hibbert Review, on "Wages & Family needs" by Miss Rathbone. The proposal to graduate wages according to family needs appears to be so reasonable that one wonders at its late emergence in these interminable economic discussions.
I motored with Clayton to Durham, and in the Chapter House instituted Kearney to the parish of New Seaham. Then I went to the County Buildings, & lunched with the High Sheriff, whose health I proposed. After lunch, I sate beside Mr Justice Lush, & heard a deplorable looking miner being tried for arson. He was acquitted. Then I returned to Auckland, & immediately set to work on a sermon for tomorrow.
The papers are filled with detailed accounts of the boxing match between Dempsey & Carpentier. The little Frenchman was easily defeated by his big opponent. Vast sums of money passed over this foolish business, & two continents were absorbing it.