AUSSIE MISSION

Hokitika Guardian, 12 May 1927, Page 2

AUSSIE MISSION

[Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.]

NEW YORK, Alav II

Though the Press was excluded from a conference between the Australian Industrial Mission and representatives of Now York industries, it lias been ascertained that an interesting discussion occurred on the question ol production. One of the American Labour representatives stated that il the workers devoted their lives to a particular industry, they should concern themselves with its production.

One employer representative said that if the trade unions would put their labour on the shelves and stand behind them, a great advance was possible. Air Hugh Frayne (General Organiser for the Federation of Labour, Now York) "said the Federation of Labour stood for inr ceased production. increased efficiency and the elimination of waste.

Air Gustav Zeigcr, representing the Hosiery Workers’ Federation of Philadelphia. also outlined an increase,J production polity. Air Noel Sargent, manager of the Industrial Relations Association of Alaiiufarturers, said Alessrs Frayne and Beiges had expressed a nice sentiment, hut there was not nut h evidence of the policy.

Air ( aiimhell (Australia) said that when the Mission arrived in America, it was refreshing to hear l tiiott leaders advocate increased production, believing that if Unions adhere to that policy, the industrial relations in America must he ideal. Ihorclorc he could not understand why numerous industries would not recognise the Unions, but it seemed that the proof of the pudding was in the eating. As Air Sargent had explained, there was little evidence of it in production. Air Frayne said these things were on the Federation’s platform as something to he attained, hut it took a long time to put them in operation. A question was raised a to whether the Alanufaeturers’ Association would recognise the f nions and make tollocif the Unions adopted ii policy of increased production. Air Sargent replied in the negative, he explaining that the principle which was really the basis of all institutions was that of freedom of action and contract.

The Alission returned to New York and attended a reception by the Australian High Commissioner, commemorating the opening of Canberra oil Tuesday. They had a long private conference with representatives of social and industrial activities in New York.

Air (Iraymller leaves on Wednesday for Indianapolis, where the Executive' Council of the V.S.A. Federation ot Labour is meeting. Mr Green recently stated Mr Holloway's letter relating to the employee members of the Mission would be considered by the Executive, and Air Gray idler was invited by the General Secretary of the Federation to attend the meeting. Before leaving New York. Mr Gravmller said lie intended to thank Alt' Green for the woitdcrlul assistance given to liimsed and the other employee members by tile officials of tlic Federation. In all the cities visited. Mr Green had always written in advance of the Alission s tour, asking officials to meet them. It is understood that in view of Air Green's attitude, the Alission does not expect the Executive to accept Mr Holloway’s advice.