PARTIES IN INDUSTRY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 November 1939, Page 4

PARTIES IN INDUSTRY

SPIRIT Of CO-OPERATION EXTENDING MR A. C. MITCHELL’S SURVEY. ADDRESS TO EMPLOYERS’ FEDERATION. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON. This Day. In his presidential address at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Employers’ Federation. Mr A. C. Mitchell referred to the full representation of the workers 0 11 war emergency committees and contrastfeu mis with the position in 1914. “I like to think.” lie added, “that this is not solely due to the fact that Labour Party is the present Government of New Zealand. I believe it is true that there is a much greater spirit of mutual trust and a much stronger desire for co-operation between employers’ and workers’ organisations than there ever has been before in New Zealand.” Mr Mitchell considered this a good augury for the future and trusted that the Employers’ Federation would continue to do everything possible to promote still further mutual trust and confidence. Mr Mitchell drew attention to the increasing acceptance in all industrial countries of the idea of the partnership of capital and labour and the rights of workers in the negotiation- of the terms and conditions of their employment. Discussing the economic situation in New Zealand. Mr Mitchell said the high rate of expenditure had gone beyond the limits of our productive capacity, creating a necessity for the greatest possible caution if economic disaster were to be avoided. It appeared inevitable that the country must under these conditions adopt again a policy of economy. He believed it impossible to maintain the present level of expenditure in New Zealand on the present measure of production.

Daventry reports that the French Government has decided to join the British Government in its measures of reprisal by the seizure of exports of German origin or ownership on the high seas. Press opinion is that the British decision regarding reprisals will prove a severe blow to Germany. It is recognised that Germany must export or die. This should shorten the war. Although the measure will inconvenience neutrals, the allies could hardly be expected to stand aside without retaliatory measures. American Press comment is mixed, but it is recognised that Hitler has himself to blame. Germany is now accusing Britain of piracy and open robbery.