THE TRADE COMMISSION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 243, 4 March 1913, Page 5

THE TRADE COMMISSION.

VARIOUS MATTERS. GENERAL SHORTAGE OF LABOR. By Toiegrapli—PnuM Association. Christclmrch. Last Night. Furl licr evidence taken by the Dominions Royal Coniniission to-day included a ) engthi statement by Mr. Wm. Murray, general manager of the Christchurch Meal Company, relative to th» frozen meat trade conditions. Whilst not prepared to commit himself to a sweeping statement that all was well with the trade, he emphasised the fact that the meat trade in New Zealand was conducted on absolutely free linen, [ a state of things which was non-existent | in other countries. Messrs. C. 11. Ensor and David Jonei gave evidence regarding the shortage of farm labor. Mr. Join-;, in the course of his evidence, alleged that from hence onward Xew Zealand would have to import wheat, owing to the area going out of tillage consequent c.i the shortage of labor. Mr. C. R. Whiting. jfeii»ral secretary of the Federated Boot Trade Union, gave evidence regarding the intermittent nature of the work in the trade, and alleged that 100 D bootmakers were at present following other occupations. Mr. F. 11. Labatt. of the Rhoepowners' Union, gave evidence regarding the shortage of labor, and Mr. 0. IT. Black-well, chainnn" of directors I'll ih'.' I\ai:tpoi Woollen Comnnnv, made a statement- on the same subjectMr. F. A. Belcher, headmaster, -ofOhrist's College, gave evidence regarding the interchange of masters between English and New Zealand schools, and the commission then adjourned till to- < morrow.