NOTES OF THE DAY

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 160, 1 April 1919, Page 4

NOTES OF THE DAY

Farmers will be interested in a statement published in our columns I this morning by the Woolbrokcrs' I Association in reply to certain allegations made in regard to the practice followed in weighing wool which passes through their hands for valuation under the Imperial requisition scheme. Mb. Robinson has asserted, both at Wanganui and at Palraerston North, that the brokers insist upon an allowance of 2lb. to be decluctcd from the weight of each bale of wool handled by them. Some of those who have attended the meetings at which these allegations were made have been led to believe that the brokers have by the procedure indicated added something to tlicir own profits at tho expense pf the woolgrowers. From inquiries which we have made the farmers of tho Dominion would seem to have no grounds for concern in this matter. This particular grievance at least is an imaginary one. How the story originated or where Mit.' Robinson got his information from w-e do not pretend to know, but it does seem clear that lie is under a nii/i----apprehension when he asserts .that it is the rccognisecl practice or the custom of the trade for woolbrokcrs to deduct 2lb. from the weight of every bale. The full procedure, as described by the Woolbrokcrs' Association to our representative, is set out in our news columns, and if Mr. Robinson or any farmer still has any doubts on the subject he can test the easily enough for himself by a visit to any of the woolbrokcrs' stores.*

It will be welcome news to all interested in the important question of technical education to learn that Wellington is at last to have a Technical) .College that will meet requirements! _ For years past it has been a standing grievance and a discredit to the powers that be that funds have not been forthcoming for this important work. The Technical Education Board has struggled against increasing difficulties to place the Technical College—the Cinderella of educational institutions—on a better plane. The present college, situated in the heart of the city, has been so greatly overcrowded that work has been carried on under most unsatisfactory conditions. The classes have been divided up between several buildings, and teachcrs and students alike have been placed at a disadvantage. The news, therefore, that a final settlement has now been reached between the Government and the board will be received' with unmixed satisfaction. A site of four acres, portion of the Mount Cook Reserve, has been promised by the Government, together with a vote of £15,000 towards the cost of erecting a suitable building. This arrangement is contingent on the City Council carrying out its undertaking to provide another £15,000 on securing possession of the property adjoining the electric light station and now used for technical training purposes. There should be no difficulty over this, and to all appearances all the obstacles' which have for so long barred the way to Wellington getting the technical college it is entitled to have at last been removed.

That phase of the activities of the Peace Conference which deals with international labour questions is now coming into some prominence. The report of the Labour Commission, an outline of which is supplied in to-day's cablegrams, does not convey very much beyond indicating in a very sketchy fashion the proposed machinery for the creation of an International. Labour Centre attached to which is to be what is termed a General Conference. The idea appears to be to work very much on the lines previously indicated to secure some recognition of standard conditions of work and pay throughout the countries linked up with the conference. Some of the British papers which have been discussing this question appear to be much more concerned over the internal conditions in Britain than in any international Labour movement the benefits from which.'must be slow in coining. The Westminster Gazette put the position clearly enough from this point of view. "The Conference at Paris,'' it remarked, "is attempting to set up a great international Clearing House for the affairs of nations, and that, as Mr. Asquith tolls us, is not a vague Utopian aspiration, but a stern practical necessity. But it is equally a necessity to have a similar Clearing House for the affairs of Labour and Capital, and that it should work in the same comprehensive way over the whole industrial field." If this were recognised the Gazette thinks that what the Peace Congress hopes to establish in international affairs by a League of Nations might be accomplished in domestic affairs by the adoption of similar methods. Broadly speaking, it is a choice between the old diplomacy, armed to the teeth, working underground and springing surprises on its neighbours, and the open forum working by consept and supporting its decision by law and reason. In other words, what the nations of the world arc doing in Paris to-day for their mutual good and to end international war might bo accomplished in domestic affairs in Britain if Labour and Capital could be brought together in a similar spirit, both ready for a fair adjustment of their differences and equally desirous of putting an end to the industrial class war which I threatens internal disaster.