THE INDUSTRIAL PERIL.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1736, 29 April 1913, Page 6

THE INDUSTRIAL PERIL.

The manifesto of the Now Zealand Employers' Association on the industrial outlook contains nothing that is new, but it is not without interest. It gives a very emphatic warning regarding the revolutionary propaganda of the extreme section of tho Labour party, and points out that as a result of tho unrest and uncertainty that has. born engendered, ''the progress of our industries has been arrested, many have been retarded,_ and are still going back.", The industrial life of the country, is, the manifesto states, drifting towards the point of danger, and an appeal is made to the bulk of the working men to consider' the serious conscquences which can hardly fail to result if something is not done to bring about a changc for the better. There is undoubtedly urgent need for a little more independent thinking on the part of the industrial population regarding the relations of Capital and Labour. The individuality of the rank and file of Labour seems in danger of being crushcd out by it's organisation, ami the free expression of personal opinion is being made more and more diflieult by the pressure of the "machine," the manipulation of which has largely got into the hands of the most extreme men. .It is only a few here and there who care to assert themselves, the majority preferring to follow the line of least resistance. This is always a dangorous policy in the long run, for the silence of the main body is taken for consent, and the wholesome check of free criticism is removed, with the result in this case that the industries of the country are being unduly handicapped and harassed. One cannot believe that the mass of tho working population regard the employer as a natural enemy; but the tendency is in that direction. It is a great pity that both sides cannot be brought nearer to a recognition of the fact that their true interests lie in friendly co-operation for their mutual benefit, and that nothing but harm to both can result from a chronic state of industrial anarchy and class hatred. The employers have been compelled to meet organisation with organisation. Most people will sympathise with the aim of the Federation, as stated in the manifesto, to promote unity between workers and employers; to educate public opinion, and to oppose class legislation and extreme agitators. What is really wanted, however, is to bring home to the Labour organisations associated with the industrial enterprises of the country tin: fully of imuaiuiuK that they can so-.

cure any lasting benefit from a policy which cripples the enterprise which provides the worker with employment and a means of living. It is hot so much .what he knows he has to face that is troubling the employer nowadays. There arc very few indeed who are not prepared to treat their employees fairly. The real trouble is the"perpetual fear of some fresh demand or some new cause of friction which may interfere with the undertakings he has entered into, and plunge him into difficulties. An employer thus situated cannot hope to do the best either for his employee, his own business, or the country as a whole.