Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 15 June 1923, Page 2

The industrial unrest which pervades the world is a subject which is being discussed constantly. It is a matter on which much has been said and written, for it is more prolific; than any other for the cultivation of varied opinion. That the unrest, exists is all too palpable, and the cause- and the effect permit of a wide range of thought. The latest reference we have seen on the subject, is from the pen of T. 11. Miles of London who probes into the causes of the prevailing unrest in the industrial world, and states that any new system which would lead to peace must fulfil the two following conditions: “It must provide for the automatic division between the capitalist and labourer of the wealth created by their industry: or at least a method of division which can be inexorably enforced if necessary by the law; and it must also ensure that the economic welfare of the nation, shall go hand in hand with the welfare of its labouring citizens, and not depend upon their comparative poverty—must, van- directly with theirs, instead of, as now, inversely.” The writer does not think that socialism gives us the foundation of such a system, ns he is of opinion that the socialistic theory offers no escape from the difficulty of wages. Following, Mr Miles sets forth his argument for industrial peace, which is the adoption of a modified form of syndicalism.

Mr Massey proposes while in England, towards the end of the year, to attend

the Economic Conference which is to open about October Ist. A late mail newspaper brings an unnouneemet by the Colonial Office, which shows that the study at tho forthcoming Imperial Economic Conference of the possibilities of co-operation in the development of the resources of the Empire and the strengthening of economic relations between its constituent parts will involve consideration of (1) ways and means for the fuller development of the natural resources of tho Dominions and the Colonies; (2) Inter-Impe-rial commerce, shipping and com 111 unicat ions generally; (3) action for the improvement of tec-lmical research; (!) the organisation of economic intelligence; and (f>) the unification of law or practice in the Empire in certain matters affecting trade development. Tho progress of co-opera-tion in oversea settlement on the lines laid down in the resolution on the subject passed bv tile Imperial Conference of 1921, as well as the possibilities of further progress, will also nmo under review, and consideration will probably bo given to certain aspects of the external commercial relations of tile Empire.

It is understood that with respect to the restriction placed on tho export of red pine, the sawmillers of the Coast propose more concerted action. The tact is that the embargo is beginning to be felt, and the millers are realising tile amount of stagnation which will lie brought about to the industry by reason of the loss of the Australian market. The compulsory loss of that market through the denoerate act of the Government should awaken the community to a sense of the impending disaster to the Coast. In every other direction the Government is spending thousands of pounds seeking lor markets, and preaching production, more production, and still mere production. Rut hero we have an instame where the policy is negatived, and there is the direct effort to decrease production, and still further, to stop production as far as oversea finding is concerned. The effect of this action will be to reduce wealth production and disorganise employment mest seriously. Capital invested will he lost, and the. experience will have a deterring effect on those disposed to put mmiev into the development of natural products. The investor will never know when the dog in the manger policy will I;.; enforced to ruin him.

It is proposed, if a meeting can be arranged, to meet Mr Collins of the Industries and Commerce Department while here next Monday. Tile issue of the jermits to export, rest with the Department of which Mr Collins is the bead. At the same time that Department is but carrying out the policy of the Government, and can only proceed accordingly. But if the millers unite and put forward their ease in a complete form, the information can be conveyed to the Minister in ('lmage, and so to Cabinet. It- is essential, ii anything is to be done, for active agitation to proceed. The sitting of Parliament should be utilised also, as a means to have the matter discussed on the tluor of the House. The policy pursued is enforced by regulation, and not by act of Parliament. and inembeis if acquainted with the lints, and the menace to industry and capital, would doubtless be prepared to have the 1 emulations withdrawn. It is necessary to act soon for if the Australian market is once lost, and other timber takes ico place of rod 1 ino, it. would be difficult indeed to recover the market again. On that, account tho need for concerted action is most urgent.