LABOUR UNREST.

Taihape Daily Times, 14 May 1919, Page 6

LABOUR UNREST.

PROBLEMS OF THE FUTURE

COMMENTS BY SIR JAMES ALLEN

Speaking at a luncheon tendered to 3iim by the Otago Expansion League, Sir Janies Allen said he agreed that the development of water power was the most urgent matter in New Zealand at present. We did not produce enough coal for our needs, and ’as soon as possible the power must be supplied to save coal. This was the most vital of many works' which must be undertaken, but he would like to indicate that there must be two limitations: those imposed by the supply of money, and the supply of labour. The supply of labour was much the jnoro difficult problem. All our developments depended upon our relation to labour —the supply of labour and its quality. It was on this question that he wished to say a few words. There was profound industrial unrest. Fortunately in New Zealand the labouring class were fairly well educated, and the opportunities for education embraced all, and in the main the attempts to improve labour 's condition here were attempts on logiti mate lines. But it must not be imagined tthat the principles of the Russian revolutionaries were unknown here, or not advocated. He would draw attention to the report of the National Executive of the Federation of Labour published a short time ago, which stated that they did not regard

thf: wages system as permanent, nor did they recognise the employer as such as being essential to the conduct of industry. He would say no more on this point, but would like to concentrate the attention of his auditors upon the Garton Foundation rep'irt, the Whitley reports and other findings of committees whose special object was the solution of the difficulties which now beset us. The Garton Foundation reported \that increased production, increased saving, and increased confidence were the keys to the position. They considered that we must look for greater production, but not from an increase in the hours of j work. On the point of increased con- t fidence, the report wont so far as to say that “Labour requires to be treated frankly as a partner with equal rights and cpual responsibili- i ties..” The machinery suggested would consist of joint committees representing both management and works staff, who would discuss anv

questions affecting working methods and conditions.

Speaking of New Zealand reports on the question, Sir James Allen referred to the statements of the Efficiency Board and the report of the New Zealand Federation af Labour. This latter executive considered th.it the hope of the immediate future lay in the intimate and continuous associa tion of both management and labour. They proposed a National Industrial Council, and their report had much in common with the reports of the Gallon Foundation and the Whitley reports. This being so, might we not hope that some solution of the present industrial unrest was within bounds of possibility? If the-problem could be solved w e might look forward to groat developments of the resources of New Zealand and to improved conditions of our people.