INDUSTRIAL UNREST.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 July 1917, Page 1

INDUSTRIAL UNREST.

REPORT OF COMMISSION, . AND THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS. fAUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION] LONDON, July 22. The report lias been published of the Commission of Enquiry into the industrial unrest. Mr. Barnes, summarising the reports of eight District Commissions, says: They show a strong, feeling of patriotism on' the part of tbe employers and the employed, who are determined to help the State in the present crisis. A feeling of a revolutionary character is not. entertained by the bulk of the workmen. On-the contrary, the majority are sensible of the national difficulties. AH the Commissions emphasise ' the fact that the loading cause of the unrest, is due to the increased cost of living and the equal distribution of food. They believe that profiteering operations and the Munitions War Act are undoubtedly a serious cause, particularly through the restriction of-the workmen’s opportunities for selecting their sphere of labouri, while changes in the working conditions, especially the introduction of female labor, have boon made without consultation of the workpeople. Causes of unrest, which are local and not universal, include inadequate housing, liquor restriction, and industrial fatigue. There is also a prevailing feeling that pledges are no longer observed as before the war, and there is woeful uncertainty as regards (lie industrial future. > The Commissioners recommend, inter alia': — '■ (1) Immediate reduction of food prices, the Government, to some extent hearing the increased price of food, and a better system of distribution. (2) Labour to participate in affairs and communicate as partners, rather than ns servants. “ , ’ (3) Closer coutact between employer and employed. (4) Larger discretion granted-to Pensions Committees in their treatment of discharged soldiers. (5) Agricultural wages in the western area to he raised to 25s weekly. (fi) The abandonment of colored labour at ports.