RECONSTRUCTION

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 129, 18 February 1918, Page 6

RECONSTRUCTION

INDUSTRIAL QUESTIONS AFTER THE WAR

LABOUR'S AIMS AND DEMANDS

(Rec. February 17, 5.5 p.m.)

London, February 16. Lord Burnham presided at the inaugural meeting of tho Industrial Reconstruction Council.

Dr. Addison (Minister for Reconstruction), in art address, stated that the governing consideration of all reconstruction matters was tho increased production of wealth. Towards this employers and employed must co-oper-ate. There must bo industrial peace, for which it was essential that employers should join the Employers' Association and tho workmen should joiii the trade unions. These would be asked to form a joint council. Tho different industries had been invited to form councils, which would advise on matters respecting materials, scientific research, housing, and ither needs, and how to reduce the margin of unemployment. Mr. Roberts (Minister of Labour) stated that Labour would never be content to return to the depressed and depraved pro-war conditions as mere wage-earners. Employers must get rid of their objections to high wages. There must be no limit on the workmen's capacity and output. He protested against deluding tho workers with the belief that a ready-made Utopia would lie found. The gradual modification of the existing order was the only suro way to progress.

Sir. "rnest Bovfri, speaking for tho working classes, said that Labour for years had been asking for the machinery suggested in the Right Hon. Mr. J. H. VVhiteley's report (on the cotton spinners' conditions). Labour declined to make v up flie deficit due to the war, and wanted to know whether it would have a vesica , interest in the surplus production which would permit home control of prices.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. j a move against "combines." (Rec. February 17, 5.5 p.m.) London, February 16. Dr. Addissn (Minister for Reconstruction) has appointed a committee to report on ways and means of safeguarding the public against the extension and development of trado organisations and combinations.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.