INDUSTRIAL UNREST

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3144, 24 July 1917, Page 5

INDUSTRIAL UNREST

REPORT OF ROYAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BETTERMENT ! London, July 22. ' Tho report has been published of the Commission of Equity on industrial Tinrest. Mr. George Barnes, in summarising the reports of eight district Commissions, says that they show a strong feeling of patriotism amongst employers and employed, who are determined to help tho State in tho present cri6is. Feelings of revolutionary character are rot entertained by the bnlk of the workmen, but on the contrary the majority are si-nsible , of the national difficulties. All the members of the Commission emphasise tho leading causes of unrest—increased cost of living, and the unequal distribution of food. The belief of profiteering operations under the Munitions of War Act is undoubtedly a serious cense, and particularly the restriction of workmen > in selecting their sphere of labour, while changes in working conditions, especially in the introduction of female labour, have been made without consultation with the workpeople. Causes of unrest which were local, and not iiaivorsal, inclnde inadequate housing, liquor restrictions, industrial fatigue. There Is also a prevailing feeling that pledges are no longer observed as before the war, andji woeful uncertainty as regards the industrial future. The Commissioners recommend, inter/ alia: ■ ' (1) Tho immediate reduction in- food. Drices, the Government to some extent bearing the increased price of food, and a better system of distribution. ■ . (2) That Labour should' participate in affaire and be communicated with as , : partners rather than , servants. (3) Closer contact between employer and employed. (4) That larger discretion be granted the pensions committees in ireatinent of discharged soldiers. (5) That, agricultural wages in the western area be raised to 255. weekly. (G) The abandonment of coloured labour at tho ports.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Asßn.-Renter. BETTER PAY FOR FARM LABOURERS PROPOSED INCREASES OPPOSED. London, July 22. The "Daily News" states that the Government is opposed to Mr. O. J. Wardie's amendment of the Corn Production Bill, in which he seeks to secure, an increaso of the wages cf agricultural labourers from 255. to 30s. a week, notwithstanding iffiß; +,ho Fill provides for farmers a large bonus to stimulate production.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. STEAMERS IN COLLISION.' CLAN LINER. SUNK. Algeciras, July,22. The Italian steamer Europa collided with a Clan Lino boat, whose name is not known. The latter sank, but all 'her crew, except eight, were rescued. The Europa reached ■ Gibraltar ur.dam-aged.—R-euter.