HONORING MR VEITCH

Hokitika Guardian, 5 February 1920, Page 4

HONORING MR VEITCH

WANGANUI, Jan. 31. Mr W. A. Veitch, M.P., was the recipient of a presentation purse yesterday afternoon at a representative gathering of his constituents. In responding lie touched on the industrial situation. He said it was impossible to do much in the way of development of the clou nt;rv or its industries till tho relationship between capital and labour was put right so as to enable business to be carried on satisfactorily. The c oal industry was the key. There would bo great industrial trouble if there wore no assured supplies of coal. A great deal of the high cost of commodities was due to lack of cohesion, co-operation, and good feeling between the workers and employers industries producing the goods. On the West Coast it had been shown that mines were awaiting development. The conditions were almost ideal. Fifty thousand men were required to enable larger quantities of coal to be produced at cheap rates, far cheaper than at present because labour conditions were so unsettled. The industrial situation as the first problem requiring settlement. It was the crux of the political situation. He concluded by speaking of the need for a sincere effort being made by both sides to come together and settle their differences, which would help to make the country more prosperous and more happy.