INDUSTRIAL CONFERENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 24 July 1928, Page 3

INDUSTRIAL CONFERENCE

Australian Press Assn.—United Service

(Received this day at 11.0 a.m.) LONDON', June 23. “We cannot see how heavy industries, can give all those, at present attached, or who look to- their livelihood in the next few years,” declared Messrs Warren Fisher, John Bodman and David Shackleton, in the 'lndustrial Transference Board’s report, which estimates two hundred thousand unemployed in mines, one hundred thousand in shipbuilding and iron, steel and heavy industries. The report affirms, < these, must remain the nation’s economic backbone,

and recommends the permanent re-

movnl of men from depressed industries A*"’-' to areas elsewhere, where prospects are more favourable. ' There are chances of absorption of large numbers of productive workers overseas, where

first rate material is available. The realisation of these facts and good- • will will turn them, to account. It is essential that, with regard to appeals, there should be practical application thereof, especially with relation to older men.

It is a matter for regret and astonishment, how disappointingly slow is the rate of settlement of Britons in Australia and Canada, notwithstanding the Empire Settlement Act, even if it were the case, which it obviously is not, that the two Dominions had reached ilio limit of- absorption of their power. I

It is to be noted that Canada last ■ year absorl>ed eighty-two thousand Continental Europeans, and Australia . twenty-two thousand non Britons. The Empire Settlement needs to be put into a really effective force. It will bring cumulative gain to the Dominions, and go far to solve Britain’s special problem. The present complications and - restrictions discourage potential settlers, and radical simplification is imperative. 'Passage rates should be reduced nearer to pre-war figures. Even then some would be unable to find the money, clothes, tickets etc. Such needs i, should be met within the next, five years. We doubt if the Commonwealth and States appreciate how adversely inclination to migrate to Australia lias-been affected bv frequent sudden .changes in requisitions, and also the varying conditions introduced by schemes, which lack uniformity. The bulk of migration is through volunteer societies. There is the need of a period of stability. People cannot be Drought to believe the Dominions seriously want them, if confronted with a formidable tangle of procedure. It N also advocated there should be sustenance of families, while older men are training in Britain for life overseas.