The Daily News. THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 1919. THE BASIS OF SOCIAL PEACE.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 April 1919, Page 4

The Daily News. THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 1919. THE BASIS OF SOCIAL PEACE.

Those who devote their serious attention to the social and industrial problems of the day cannot but feel a deep sense of disappointment that in spite of all the intelligent and practical efforts of the leading men who are so keenly desirous of arriving at a basis for social peace, the strife between capital and labor still sheds its baneful influence on industrial progress and prevents both employers and workers from enjoying the blessings and advantages of harmony and co-operation. It 'is nothing less than a serious reflection on the intelligence and good sense of the community that a solution of the problem is still to be found and acted upon. Apparently, instead of a converging movement there is an inclination to extend the distance between the meeting point of views that should form the basis of social peace, and a possible explanation of this tendency may be found in the desire which it is asserted the workers manifest to obtain a full measure of self government in industrial affairs. It is a bad sign when both employers and employees feel themselves compelled to organise for the defence of their respective interests instead of earnestly seeking measures whereby they can cooperate for their mutual welfare. We have, however, to take conditions as they exist, probe them to their depths, find the causes of the ailment, and apply an effective remedy. There are many contributing factors to the present industrial troubles, faults on both sides and a certain measure of misunderstanding. In reality there are no obstacles to the arrival at a satisfactory solution of the question if it is approached with a de* sire to effect a permanent settlement. The matter is not one that merely affects a portion of the people. It is a national affair and as such demands grave consideration. We have had more than enough of military, strife during the last four years, so that the spectre of industrial warfare is one tAat is extremely disconcerting,

especially as it can and should be avoided. In its wisdom, or otherwise, the Legislature of the Dominion has set up Conciliation Councils and an Arbitration Court to deal with industrial disputes. These bodies have done their best, but it is evident there are causes it work which do not come within ;heir scope of action. It is only ■ecently that the National Execuive of the Federation of Labor •esolved to bring before the Govsrnment a protest against the Arritration Court fixing the basic vages of skilled, semi-skilled and mskilled workers, as indicated by he president in Dunedin, and ilaiming that the principle enun:iated by the president should not )e accepted until the views of Labor have been ascertained at a lational conference of employers md workers at which the whole )osition of industry in New Zeaand may be discussed, and projosals formulated on important natters. The Executive also desided that the Government be askid to convene this conference as soon as possible. In taking this ictioti the Executive of the Federition has shown the right kind of visdom, for it recognises that it is )y means of discussion of labor jroblems of industry that a basis >f social peace is possible. This :ourse is practically the essence of ;he recommendations contained in ;he "Whitley report presented to ;he Imperial Parliament, on the ierms of which we have already jommented. In the first place that report proposes a National Coun ail of Employers and "Workers, ;lien joint district committees, and thirdly a complete network of ivorks' committees, which are the jrux of the organisation. This triple arrangement provides an effective medium for the discussion >f all industrial problems, and the means of arriving at considered lecisions. It is obvious that if ihis scheme is carried out the Government should be the first to give the lead and practice what it preaches, and until' the Government shows its good faith in this lirection it is hardly reasonable ;o expect success will be attained. The municipalities and other pubic bodies should also fall into line, md with such a start the generalty of employers of labor would be ioropelled to follow suit. The ;onviction is growing that one of ;he chief causes of labor diseon;ent is attributable, to the housing question, and it is in that direction he Government and municipalities should set an example to all employers. If the workers and their 'smilies are properly housed it is is if they were anchored, and instead of looking for trouble they vould be enjoying health, comfort md reereation. The money neces ssry for this important phase of ;he industrial question would be a splendid investment, but it is obvious that no legislation in this direction would be acceptable un ess the Government was included n its provisions. It is not only iccessary for homes to be provid id for the workers, but it is equaly imperative that transport facili ies at cheap rates should be iniluded in the scheme We venure to think that basis of social >eace is the hoasing problem, and fiat its solution, coupled with the tdoption of the main provisions of he Whitley report, would in the lear future eliminate all causes of liscontent, and conduce to unpreledented prosperity of the counry and its people.