a reasonable standard of comfort; [Greek: g].

and remuneration for time spent in acquiring necessary skill.[30] This is an estimate, it must be remembered, of a "fair wage," based upon calculations as to what is just and reasonable, and does not necessarily correspond to the economic wage obtainable in a neighbourhood by the free competition of labour and capital.

Now this standard wage, which may or may not be the wage actually paid, plays a very prominent part in Unionism.

The point of importance here is its bearing on the admission of new members.

The candidate for membership has, as his principal qualification, to show that he is capable of earning the standard rate of wages.