MANY LABOUR PROBLEMS

Chronicle (Levin), 14 March 1947, Page 5

MANY LABOUR PROBLEMS

-Press Association

Industrial Blackmai! Has Disturbing Effect COUNTRY VERY UNSETTLED

8y Telegraph-

NAPIER, March 14. Tlie belief that the rugged individualism ■ in free enterprise v/hi.ch had made the country. what it "was to 1938 had slipped back ,-mce then was expressed by Mp. jiasckeli Anderson, newly-elected president of the Associatbd Ghambers of Commerce, addressing the concluding stages of ihe conference last night. - "We have commenced 1947 with many labour problems," said Mr. Anderson. "Labour is short an,d increased production is greatly needed." The war had left the country very unsettled and it was now engaged in a battle against the most insidious and tireless foes— wishful thoughts, the easy way of life, temptin^ short cuts, shallow assumption, evasion of responsibility and the surrender of independence and integrity. These were at the bottom of most of the troubles. "Industrial blackmail is now rife," continued Mr. Anderson. "This disturbs industry and production, and is \ attacking our standard of living. I would say to the people of New Zealand, 'Dt wary of benefits that do not bene-i fit' ." Mr. J. R. Dench (Canterbury) was * elected vice-oresident to succeed Mr. Anderson. The executive is:— North Island: Messrs F. G. Baskett (Auckland), H. J.' Lichenstin (Auckland), H. E. Scholfield (Matamata), E. J. Phillips (Hastings), G. Opie (Palmerston North), Barton Ginger, Stronach Paterson, S. W. Peterson, G. D. Stewart and F. Wilson (all Wellington). South Island: Messrs H. C. Hurst (Canterbury), A. C. Steph.ens (Dunedin), C. J. Wood (Dunedin), R. H. Clark (Blenheim) and A. H. J. Wyatt (Invercargill). A Federation .of Cliambers of Commerce of the British Empire remit was carried, advocating the drawmg of the attention of the Government to the need fqr a definite plan to provide'for the future defence of New Zealand, and fqr the apprqpriate training of the country 's youth. Movingythe re■mit, Mr. C. D. A. George (Welling(ton) said the speed with which war could be launched on distant Goun- ! tries with modern weapons and missiles left 110 time for training after war was declared.