EMPLOYERS' CONFERENCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 June 1920, Page 1

EMPLOYERS' CONFERENCE.

(Per Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, June 9

The Employers’ 'Conference lias opened here. This afternoon the chairman reviewed the circumstances which- led up to the meeting. He explained that the chief purposes would be to come to a decision in regard tu the advisability of agreeing to a national industrial conference, such as had been proposed by the Welfare League. The representatives of the Farmers’ Union, the New Zealand Industrial Corporation, and the Associated Cliiam hers of Commerce would presently attend for the purpose of an exchange of views. He would invite the fullest and freest discussion. It was the, desire of all those present to arrive, if possible, at some solution of the problems which were at the root of the existing condition of industrial unrest all over the world. At this stage the visitors were received, viz., Messrs L. 0. 11. Tripp, D. McLaren, and A. P. Harper (representing the Welfare League), Sydney Kirkcaldic and A. F. Roberts (Associated Chambers of Commerce), C. J. Ward and F. W. Vosseler, (Industrial Corporation of New Zealand), W. J. Poison and E. C. Pack (Now Zealand Farmers’ Union). Mr Tripp explained that Mr C. I*. Skcrrott (President of the Welfare League) who was keenly interested in the question of a national industrial conference, had unavoidably been detained in Dunedin. He-himself was there as representing Mr -Skerrett, but the main statement of the case tor the Welfare League proposal had been left to Mr McLaren. The latter then addressed the meeting, and made an urgent appeal for a national industrial conference. It had been urged, lie said, that such a conference -would do no good, and would produce nothing; but even if it were only negative in results, it would serve ‘to establish points of control on the matter of basic principles between employers and workers. Th>? time was ripe for a review of the existing legislative machinery for dealing with'industrial matters. Our industrial legislation was chaotic. ' What was wanted was that these matters should be taken out of the hands of politicians, and settled in principle bv those best able to do so, namely, those concerned ns workers and employer's in the industries themselves. MiPoison also addressed the meeting. After the delegations had retired, the conference went into committee, and engaged in general discussion. Tile conference will resume to-morrow.