INDUSTRIAL MATTERS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10612, 10 June 1920, Page 6

INDUSTRIAL MATTERS

IMPORTANT CONFERENCE N.Z, EMPLOYEES AND NATIONAL CONFERENCE. An important conference of the New Zealand Employers' Federation opened yesterday to discuss various matters relating to tho industrial situation. Mr A. C. Mitchell (Wellington), vice-presi-dent of tho association, presided, in the absence of tho president (Mr G. T. Shailer Weston), who is at present in Japan. Tho list of delegates is as foiAuckland Employers’ Association, Albert Spencer, S. E. IVright; Hawke’s Day Employers’ Association, J. H. Edmundson and E. M. Chadwick; Taranaki, P. D. Stainton and W. C. Whitlock; Wanganui, O. Caiman; Manawatu, It. S. Abraham; Wellington, A. C. Mitchell, H. Mainland, E. E. Stone.banks, and L. R. Partridge; Marlborough, It. V. Bythell; Canterbury, G. T. Booth, C. H. Wyles, D. Dorley, and F. Cooper: Otago, J. D. Stevenson, E. Cameron and A S. Cookson; N.Z. Flaxmillers’ Association, It. T. Bell and A. Seifert; N.Z. Master Printers’ Association, 11. Coull and C. M. Banks; N.Z. Gas Companies' Association, Dr. C. Knight; N.Z. Master Plumbers’ Association, A. Ramsay; Dominion Federated Sawmills’ Association, IV. T'. Irvine, IV. J. Butler, H. Valder, A. Seed; N.Z. Shipowners’ Federation. W. E. Fuller and Captain Petersen ; N.Z. Builders’ Federation, W. L. Thompson; N.Z. Woollen Manufacturers’ Association, At B. Donno; N.Z. Clothing Manufacturers’ Association, C. N. Cathie; N.Z. Federation of Drapers and Clothiers, IV. Simm; N.Z. Watchmakers’ and Jewellers’ Association, IV. Crawford Young, Owing to the non-arrival of tho southern members, delayed by tho steamer, the conference adjourned till the afternoon after a brief discussion as to the method of procedure. On resuming, the chairman renewed the circumstances which had led up to the meeting, and explained that their chief purpose would he to come to a decision in regard to tho advisability of agreeing to a national industrial conference such as had been proposed by the Welfare League. A deputation representing the Welfare League and representatives from the Farmers’ Union, tho New Zealand Industrial Corporation, and tho Associated Chambers of Commerce would presently attend, for the purpose of an exchange of views. He would invite the fullest and freest discussion. It was tho desire of all those present to arrive, if possible, at some solution of the problems which were at the root of tho existing condition of industrial unrest all over the world. (Hear, hear.) At this stage the visitors were received—Messrs L. 0. H. Tripp, D. McLaren, and A. P. Harper (representing tho Welfare League), Sydney Ktrkcaldie and A. F. Roberts (Associated Chambers of Commerce), C. J. Ward and F. IV. Vosseler (Industrial Corporation of New Zealand), W. J. Poison and E. C. Jack (New Zealand Farmers’ Union). An apology for absence was received from Mr T. Moss. Mr Tripp explained that Mr C. P. Skerrett, president of the league who was keenly interested in the question of a national industrial conference, had un. avoidably been detained in Dunedin. Ho himself was there as representing Mr but the main statement of the case for the Welfare League’s proposal had been left to Mr McLaren. Mr McLaren then addressed the meeting and made an urgent appeal for a national industrial conference. It had been urged, he said, that such a contereneo would do no good, and would produce nothing, but even if it were only negative in results it would serve to establish points of contact on matters of basic principle between the employers and the workers. The time was ripe for a review of the existing legislative machinery for dealing with industrial matters; our industrial legislation was chaotic. What was wanted was that these matters should ho taken out of the hands of politicians and settled in principle by those best able to do so—those concerned, as workers and employers. in the industries themselves. Mr Poison also addressed tho mcoting. , After the delegations had retired, tho conference went into committee and cngagd in a general discussion. The conference will resume this morning at 10 o’clock.