COTTON STRIKE

Hokitika Guardian, 8 September 1932, Page 5

COTTON STRIKE

SOLUTION SOUGHT

A DESIRE FOR SETTLEMENT.

(British Officiil Wireless,)

RUGBY, September 6.i

It is estimated by the -Ministry of Labour that the numbey.,- of.:- insured persons in employment on August 22nd was 37,000 less than a month ago, and 95,000 less than one year ago, the decline being largely due to the • cotton trade stoppages. The total on the unemployed register on August 22nd was 48,046 more than on July 25th. - -. v Sir H. Betterton, in a letter to the parties to the cotton dispute, expresses the opinion that the stoppage has arisen through the virtual breakdown of the system of collective negotiation, and suggests that the disputants meet and discuss the appointment of special committees to deal with wages and conciliation, and avoid further .waste of the industry’s resources. He mentioned that there was a widespread desite on both sides for renewed efforts to find a way to reach a settlement, and to put an end to the present situation, which embitters a relationship that has normally been friendly, ahd which causes a great loss and hardship, and threatens to make still more difficult a recovery of industry, on which their livelihood depends. ■