BRITISH INDUSTRIES

Hokitika Guardian, 13 March 1929, Page 6

BRITISH INDUSTRIES

(Uni&d Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). LONDON, March 11. Just as the Economic Mission louncl a “circle” in Australia, so the final report of the Committee on Industry and Trade (appointed in 1924 under the chairmanship of Sir Arthur Balour) finds that a vicious “circle” is checking the revisal of British industry, and that depressed industries are not restorable without fresh capital, w-.ieh cannot be attracted except alter the restoration of healthy conditions. 'i he report does not believe that even ime most depressed basic industries lack the power within themselves to take the first measures towards regeneration, if they are convinced that it is necessary to have reorganisation involving the writing down of capital, amalgamations, and improved handling in overseas markets. The latter needs a thorough reconditioning of trade, which was lost thrugh the manufacturers’ want of care in the selection of agents. Jt is most essential that the heads of firms should visit overseas markets, and give increased attention to salesmanship. Initiative and reorganisation must come from industry itself. The State could only ease the difficulties of transition. Discussing industrial peace, the Committee states it is opposed to compulsory arbitration' on legislation similar to the Canadian Industrial Disputes Act. it favours a Works’ Committee for all large industrial undertakings. It does not recommend permanent national industrial councils, but approves of periodic national conferences between employers’ and employees’ organisations. It tentatively advocates a gradual extension of tbc minimum school-leaving age to fifteen.

The Labourite committeemen, m an appendix, state that the main repoit is inadequate. The country’s serious situation cannot be remedied by private enterprise and free competition. TLoy are of tbe opinion that the necessary reorganisation and co-operation cannot he obtained without the State initiating activity and support. The minority recommends the appointment of a national economic committee and the employment of a development board, first to survey the economic situation nationally, secondly to map out reconstruction in conjunction with representatives of the employers. It also favours a repetition of the Safeguarding Act, and the McKenna Duties.

TRADE ENQUIRY. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, March 12, The Trade Enquiry report does not inspire enthusiasm in any quaiteis. hew papers comment, and those who do are of opinion the inquiry lasted too long. The main repoit offers nothing new. The minority drifts into socialistic generalisations. Ibe fact is recalled that two members ol tbe original commission' resigned and one died. • The “Financial News” regards the outstanding passage wherein the majority are of opinion the basic industries' still have within themselves powed for regeneration with external aid.