LABOR UNREST.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 February 1919, Page 5

LABOR UNREST.

GOVERNMENT'S INTENTIONS. Received Feb. 13, 12.50 a.m. London, Feb. 11. Continuing, Mr Lloyd George safd there was nb more Important question than that of Labor unrest. Some of the causes were legitimate, such as the strain and abnormal tension during the war period, grave dissatisfaction at social conditions being aggravated during the war, many of them involving human degradation. It was the Government's duty to remove these causes. There was no danger of unemployment if confidence could be induced by those responsible for re-starting the wheels of industry. Hesitancy existed at the present owing to the doubt regarding the future. The Government was putting forward suggestions and introducing Bills for housing, health, land reclamation and afforestation, and land for soldiers, with a revival of rural life. If the cost of production soared it would mean disaster, because Britain's purchasing capacity was reduoed. The proposal to reduce the hours while retaining the Banie wage, as a means of reducing Unemployment, was one way to make unemployment for the whole country, because it meant diminished purchasing capacity, necessitating the reduction of employment, and would also destroy overseas trade. He despaired of the working classes if they failed to realise that fundamental principle. There werd legitimate Government measures to assist employment. He instanced housing, development of inland ways of communication, afforestation, and land settlement. The Government was bound to examine and consider carefully labor's demands, with a view to removing legitimate grievances. FORTHCOMING LEGISLATION. INDUSTRIAL UNREST. Received February 12, 5.5 p.m. London, Feb. 11. Mr. Lloyd George said that the Society of Nations was progressing satisfactorily. He is introducing bills next weak dealing with health, land for soldiers, and afforestation. The strain of war conditions, and the fear of unemployment, would conduce to industrial unrest, and, if continued, the gravest consequences to trade and industry may follow.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. JAPAN'S INTENTIONS. Received February 12, 5.5 p.m. Paris, Feb. 11. It is understood that Japan will notify the Powers that she intends to continue in possession of the Caroline and Mar* shall Islands.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.