BRITISH ENGINEERS ASSOCIATION

Hokitika Guardian, 29 January 1929, Page 5

BRITISH ENGINEERS ASSOCIATION

(United Press Association. — Ry Electric Te I egra p n. —Co py rig h t.)

PROPOSED CONFERENCE

LONDON, Jan. 28

The British Engineers’ Association, one of the Employers Associations, which are opposed to the MelclicttTttrner conferences proposed to establish' a- national industrial council, points out the Trade Union Congress, as constituted, is specially fitted to deal with the labour qiieston, but is not necessarily competent to deal with a wide range of industrial, economic, commercial and financial ' matters specified in the conferences. An interim report of the conferences proposals give undue weight to the Trade Union Congress directly representing only four millions, out of twelve million engaged in industry.

(United Service.)

(Received this day at 1.30 p.m.) LONDON, 'dan! 28

The Trades Union Council is committed to a frankly declared political policy, therefore the Industrial Council would mournemployers-' 11011-political organisations whiii'erring witlis iiifbciur representatives eager to further labour’s political objects. Consequently we are sceptical of the Council’s .(j-oiistruetive possibilities and believe it would be foredoomed to failure, owing to fundamental opposition unless, the Trades Union Council publicly repudiated Labour’s socialistic programme and stated a desire to co-operate whole-heartedly with employers, in order to readjust the industrial system. The Association points out their objections do not necessarily apply to the examination of industrial problems W competent authorities, in order to discover practical means of restoring the depressed industries.