EMPLOYERS' MANIFESTO.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 289, 29 April 1913, Page 7

EMPLOYERS' MANIFESTO.

OPPOSED TO AGITATORS. Per Press Association. Wellington, Monday. An important manifesto issued by the Employers' Federation gives the reasons set out for the forward movement lately organised. The Federation holds that it can be proved an actual fact that the streams of industrial enterprise are being retarded; indeed, that the very springs of industry are being poisoned by the organised efforts of a comparatively small and irresponsible body of men who possess little knowledge of any of the necessarily delicate,operations of industrial progress, and who, being dissatisfied with everything and everybody, preach- the policy of destruction and anarchy. The manifesto, in a reference to the apathy of the average man of all classes with regard to his political and industrial policy, states that it is the desire of the executive of the Federation to arouse, if possible, the community from a lethargy that threatens very serious consequences if allowed to continue. It might be that the activity of employers as such would tend to create an added activity in the ranks of labor. Should such prove to be the case nothing but good would result, there being no doubt that as individuals the great bulk of the workers of this country hold moderate and safe views regarding labor problems. Notwithstanding the above facts, adds the manifesto, it is found that the public utterances of the extreme labor section are becoming more revolutionary every! day. A change is taking place; many industries have been retarded and are still going back. This is largely as the result of the destructive propaganda preached' at the street, corners by irresponsible men. The Federation's officers are engaged in obtaining an exchange of opinion from employers in every line of industry regarding these great industrial problems. It is hoped that when this work is completed facts and figures will be, placed before the public "that will arouse not only business men but the workers to a true sense of citizenship.

It is stated tliat the Federation's objective is as follows:—To oppose extreme agitators, syndicalists and revolutionary socialists', to promote the unity of genuine workers and employers for the'purpose of developing the industries of the Dominion, the, education of public opinion, and the securing of industrial legislation, the establishment of a defence fund to bo used for the furtherance of .the above objects, which will be strictly controlled by trustees appointed to carry out the 'instructions of the Federal In conclusion, the Federation executive urge "on all who have a stake and interest in the country, who desire the best for all, and who wish to see the trades and industries of the Dominion placed on a sound, safe footing, to support both financially.and by personal interest the only industrial organisation which has the machinery to perform the functions involved in the above programme." The manifesto is signed by the president, William Hojikirk. and the secretary, W. Frvor.