ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 23 October 1930, Page 5

ANNUAL CONFERENCE

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.)

HERMITAGE, October 22

The Conference of the Associated Chambers of Commerce debated for over three, hours the following remit from Auckland: “That there should be no extension of the existing agreements regarding wheat and flour, and that the duty on British Empire wheat and flour should be substantially revised downward, and the sliding scale be abolished.”

The remit was lost by a big majority.

Mr Norton Frances (Christchurch), moved,:—“That the Executive be authorised to call a conference if asked to consider a request from the Government for the calling of a conference representative of the labour, farming,, commercial, industrial,' financial and economic interests for the purpose of freelly discussing the present economic position with the object of endeavouring to promote the properitv of the Dominion by suggesting a scheme whereby (a) the cost of government; and (b) taxatieon and the costs of production may be reduced without lowering the workers’ standard of living. . Mr J. C. Begg (Dunedin) suggested that tile words “without lowering the workers’ standard of living” be deleted, arid that the following be substituted: “With the least possible prejudice to the workers’ standard of living.” ... /V ; /•, This alteration was agreed to. The remit was then carried. Other important remits carried were as follows :—.

From the Canterbury Chamber : “That this Conference is of opinion that there has been a tendency tfor legislation to be presented to Parliament in the dying hours of the session without an opportunity being given the public to consider or make representation in regard thereto.” From Te Awamutu:—“That the time has arrived when the Government should curtail the setting up of Commissions.”

THE HERMITAGE, Oct, 23

At the ’of" the .“Associated Chambers of Commerce to-day j, C. Cameron (Dunedin), moved:—“That it is in the interests of the community, that the compulsory clauses of . the Arbitration' Act f>e abolished.” Ifl moving the remit, Mr Cameron, said

the Dunedin Chamber was of . tlie opinion that the compulsory clauses of the Act, as in operation; were severely hampering industry, retarding production, increasing unemployment and creating an ill feeling between employers and employees which, should not (exist. The manufacturers feel that the present system of compulsory arbitration is inequitable and was increasing the cost of production. The farmers felt, with good ■ reason, that it was largely responsible for the high costs of all their requirements. It hi claimed for compulsory arbitration thejb it .abolishes but. what Ims been the result, From the inception of the system up to 1913 .the total number of strikes in New .Zealand was 148, fifty-three in contravention of the Act, and 95 outside of it. From 1906 to 1923, the total number of stoppages was 695, which was rather too many for a country without strikes. The main objections to the system were that it was too inglastic. There wias no element of give and take. The dispute, or application, for a new award became a fight •'between the employer, and the labour union secretary. If the Conciliation Court did not appeal to .labour, the speaker suggested another alternative in the “Labour Disputes Investigation Act,” which is now on the statute book, and which is operating successfully in Canada. The speaker stated the main objections to the present system were: (a) hampering industry ; (b) retarding, production; (e) increasing unemployment; (d) that it was too inelastic, and did not take into account the all important factor of what will an industry stand

. W. Mach in (Christchurch) seconded, and said they should be able to debate rthe subject at great length. Ha was (entirely in accord with the reasons advanced by the Dunedin Chamber

A. Seed (Wellington) <• said he was in accord with the remit, but it did riot go far .enough. He suggested that the Act should bo amended to make compulsory the reference of disputes to the Conciliation Councils. (

Mr Cameron (Dunedin) said we are quite agreeable to the amendment iii the form suggested. The remit was then amended to' read:—“That it is in the interests of the community that the compulsory clause of the Arbitration Act be abolished, and that an amendment be made to thH> Act to effect a. reference of disputes compulsorily to the Conciliation Courts. The remit was adopted in the amended form. FURTHER REMITS. Hermitage, October 23. . The Conference of the Associated Chambers of Commerce was continued to-day. The discussion on remits being proceeded with the following important remits, which were carried: Dunedin Chamber “With a view of effecting economies in administration of countries and other local bodies, this Conference urges the Government to consider: (a) the question of reducing the number and increasing the size of certain countries; and (b) consolidation or amalgamation of certain local authorities.” Dunedin Chamber—‘That, the Power Hoards Act bo amended to provide that

the franchise for the requisition of loans, for reticulation purpoes and the elec-' tion of Power Board' members be oah ‘ ried out in a similar manner to tile voting system adopted by County Councils, each voter to have votes ip. accordance with the rateable value 0., t his property, and not’ as at present—K one vote per voter.” 1 ’ f A A lengthy discussion- but illuminat-,. ing address on the question of unem-r plovment was given bv 'W. Muehii(Christchurch).- The greater part of the address was given in committee, and the discussion, which was adjourned till to-morrow,- will also - be taken in committee. . ’