THE TRADE UNION CONGRESS

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 68, 13 December 1919, Page 7

THE TRADE UNION CONGRESS

PROBLEM OF UNEMPLOYED A DEPUTATION TO THE PRIME MINISTER. ) (By Telegraph-l'rese Association-Copyright (Woe. December 12, S.s'p-.ni.) , London, December 11. "Mr. ,T. 11. Thomas informed the Wo Union Congress to-day of the result of t!i« deputation to tho Prime Minister, demanding that the Government should provide work for the unemployed. ■ If the State could build a great Navy in Htato yards, it could use these yards-to build a merchant service. Mr. Thomas suited that the Prime Minister admitted I hat it was tho duty of the State to find work ior the unemployed, and would regard any State failing to do so as a barbarous State. He (the Prime Minister) appealed to the deputation to settle the lronmoulders' dispute, which was lfspottsibio ior much unemployment. The Government hopod to introduce a comprehensive scheme for insurance against unemployment before Christmas. The Congress adopted resolutions condemning tho Government for. withdrawing tho unemployment benefit without, the alternative of making provision tor tni , . unemployed Mr, J. E. ClyT.cs, in moving the resolution, said that it would have boon infinitely better if the forty millions that hart been spent on unemployed beneiit ha.l been spent in providing- work. If was resolved, by 2,85-1,080 vote'to 1.772,000, to approve of the establishment of .-. General Council in substitution ior the Parliamentary Committee to assist in the settlement of strikes. The op-' position mainly consisted of miners unci rnilwaymen, who feared that the power would l>:? used to prevent strikes. The Congress resolved to demand the initiation of peace negotiations with Kus-sia,-and later adiourned till February. -Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. (Tiee. December 12, 11.55 p.m.) Pretoria, December 8 Tho National .Conference, of Employers and Employees carried a resolution in favour of Hie minimum wage and a ISate housing' schonie.--.Aus.-N.il. Cable Assn.