MR VEITCH, M.P.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3398, 31 January 1920, Page 5

MR VEITCH, M.P.

HONOURED BY PRESENTATION. HIS VIEWS ON SITUATION. WANGANUI, This Day. Mr Veitch, 1\1.P., was the recipient of the presentation of a purse of sov~ ereigns yesterday afternoon, at a representative gathering of his constituents. .

In responding. Mr Veitch touched upon the industrial situation and said We were living in trying times; he did not think the Inajority of people realised the possibilities for good or evil existing in the present industrial situation. After stressing the necessity for improving the position, he proceeded to refer to flue coal situation. He said it was Impossible to do much in the way of development of the country, or industries till relationship of labour and capital is put right so as. to enable “business to be carried on satisfactorily.

The coal industry was the key of the situation, and there would be great ‘industrial trouble if there were no assured supplies of coal. A great deal of the‘ high cost of commodities was due to lack of cohesion, co.—, operation‘ _and good feeling between workers and employers in industry producing the goods. On the West Coast it was shown to miners there were awaiting development conditions which were alriiost ideal. Fifty thousand pounds were required to enable 1-urge quantities of coal to be produced at cheap rates. far cheaper than at present. Because labour conditions were so "unsettled among coal miners it was found impossible to get men to put money into the industry; they were afraid of it languishing/,’ and the wageearner had to pay every time, he was always the first to suffer, The industrial situation was the first problem requiring settlement; it was the crux ‘of the political situation. He concl-uded speaking by stating there was need for sincere effort by b‘oth sides to come together and settle the’ differences w'hicl‘; would hell? 10 H 1339 the country more prosperous and more happy. mi"-‘