AFTER THE WAR

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2547, 23 August 1915, Page 6

AFTER THE WAR

FACING A BIG QUESTION UNEMPLOYMENT AND EMIGRATION Dy Teleerapk—Press Association—Copyright ("Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services.) (Reo. August 21, 7.45 p.m.) London, August 21. Tho official report of the proceedings at a deputation to Mr. Bonar Law (Secretary of State for the Colonies), and Lord Selborne (President of the Board of Agriculture), respecting the war and settlement in the Empire, makes Mr. Bonar Law reply: "I have tried to 'forecast what may happen from tho point of view of labour when tho war is over, but I think it would be very foolish if I gave any indication of my views. Tako the position of labour in Britain —our factories are all busy with work, a good deal of which.will stop the moment the wail's over: in addition tho men who are now fighting will have to find employment. That suggests Dliat instantly nfter the cessation of hostilities there will bo a great deal of unemployment. On tho other hand, if capital is available, the wastages and ravages of the war lia.ve got to be made good. I would not liko to say that it is certain that the end of the war will be the beginning of a period of unemployment in Britain, but I think that the temptation of our people to emigrate will be very groat. "The war is causing high: prices for all tho commodities produced in the colonies, so tho colonies must prosper. We here at Home aro torn, in two ways ■'-we certainly desire to see the Empire everywhere expand, and to have these fertile lands filled with people of our own race; stil, we cannot look with any pleasure at the prospect of a very large number of men wlio are now fighting, who are the best of our population, suddenly leaving the country.

"The problem we shall have to face is, first, to help those soldiers to find the kind of employment which suits them best; then, if it is better all ■roiind, assist them overseas. A Departmental Committee is at present investigating the subject, ,and considering it' from the point of view of the Overseas Dominions, as well as of Britain. Canada has appointed a. Commission to study tli© subject, and doubtless tho other Governments of the Empire' mil be inclined to. take some steps of tho same kind. Representations and pertinent suggestions will receive very careful consideration. Both myself and Lord' Selborno have mudi sympathy with the views of.the deputation."

"NO CAUSE FOR ANXIETY." STATEMENT BY PRIME MINISTER. : A statement on certain phases of the questions referred to by Mr. Bonar Law was made by the Prime Minister (Mr. Massey) to a Dominion reporter last ni^ht' "The problem in this country will be nothing like the problem they will have to face at Home,!' said Mr. Massey, "although we can not expect tho present high prices and consequent prosperous times to continuo when the nar comes to sn end. The purchasing power of the British people will naturally be greatly reduced, and this must effect tho prices of our stax>le commodities. Generally, I do not think there is cause for grave anxiety. I believo that after. the war there will bo a' demand for a number of our moro important products from such places as France, which has, up till the present, by trade restrictions and Customs duties, kept theso products of ours out of tho country. Then I think it is quite certain we shall' be able to do .a-good deal of-business with the Eastern States of America. Already many inquiries are made as to tho possibilities of Now Zealand sending frozen meat and dairy produce to the' AtlantioCoast of North America. That wo shall feel tho pinch when the war is over I don't doubt for a moment, but with the possibility of increased settlement and the development of our resources, I-don't think there is need for serious anxiety in New Zealand. With' regard to immigration, 110 definito policv can bo laid down at present, I think. ■ The question must ,be dealt with when it arises, according to the circumstances and conditions at the time."