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possibly be done, we were taking the surest course to make for industrial peace in the future. On behalf of my colleagues I want to thank you, gentlemen, for the manner in which you have recognized the effort made by the Parliamentary Committee. So far as the details are concerned Ido not want to accept any responsibility, but I would thank the Hon. Mr. Anderson, Minister of Labour, now away on a trip for the benefit of his health, and the Hon. Mr. Barr, who has attended to all the details in connection with this Conference. There is a gentleman sitting on my right to-day (the Hon. Mr. Downie Stewart) to whom thanks are also due. It was he who, in his speech at Feilding, first gave an indication on behalf of the Government that we thought a great deal could be gained by bringing the various industrial interests together, with a view to discussing in detail industrial difficulties and the arguments for and against certain important legislation. He had discussed the matter with his colleagues, and we agreed, and told him that he could make a public suggestion to that effect if he thought it possible to bring this Conference about; and Mr. Stewart on that occasion first sowed the seeds which ultimately led to the appointment of the Conference. lam sure, gentlemen, we are indebted to him for consistently urging the desirability of such a Conference as this. Hon. Mr. Barr : Mr. Chairman, Mr. Prime Minister, and gentlemen, I am rather embarrassed by your unexpected thanks. I was asked by the Prime Minister to do certain work ; I have done my best to fulfil the duty imposed upon me, and I can only say that it is very gratifying indeed to me to find from your expressions of thanks that my duties have been carried out to your satisfaction. To me, as to all, it has been an occasion for learning a great deal about industrial matters, because, no matter how much you may know of such things, you cannot dwell so long amongst a gathering such as this, representing so many different interests and viewpoints, without learning a good deal from them. I would like again, 011 behalf of the Parliamentary Committee, to express our sincere thanks and appreciation on, first of all, the success in bringing together the gentlemen who have attended this Conference, and next of having heard your opinions and your various resolutions. I can only assure you that each and every one will have the careful consideration of those responsible for the government of the country. We are as anxious as you are, and as earnest in our desire as you are, to seek the path which will lead to peace and contentment. And again I would say that in using those two terms we are best serving the interests of our people, and making it easier for them to reach a stage of prosperity which we hope will be the envy of the rest of the world. Mr. Roberts : I desire to propose the toast of the Chairman, Mr. A. D. Thomson, who has presided over the sittings of this Conference. Mr. Thomson did not have a very difficult job ; as a matter of fact, he had a very easy task. Although he had to listen to sometimes very wearying statements from either side, he had invariably the confidence of both sections. I would have liked to have heard Mr. Thomson's views when he was asked by the Prime Minister to preside over a Conference of this kind. Probably- he thought he was being asked to preside over a bear-garden ; but I think he will now agree that he has had a pleasant experience in the other direction. At any rate, I think that if any one here had felt inclined to question any of the Chairman's rulings he would have found himself in a hopeless minority. Digressing a little, I think as the result of our meetings here we shall be able in the future to overcome many difficulties that hitherto have seemed insurmountable. I believe that each side will recognize in future relationships the potent fact that there are industries to be carried on and that they are partners in the same, and that if the spirit of fair play is exhibited we shall achieve some splendid results from the talks we have had in this Conference. I wish also to express my own personal thanks and those of the labour section to the staff that has waited on us and helped us during our deliberations. I have also to thank the Hon. Mr. Barr for his kindness and attention. I ask you to accept the toast of the health of the Chairman, Mr. Thomson, who has conducted these proceedings so ably and well. Mr. Bishop : I have much pleasure in seconding the motion moved by Mr. Roberts, and which has been received with unanimous approval—indeed, with acclamation —all round the room. All that has been said by Mr. Roberts regarding our Chairman I desire very heartily to endorse on behalf of the delegates on this side. Mr. Thomson has discharged the onerous duties of the chairmanship faithfully and well. No one could have given greater satisfaction to the Conference than he. I have no hesitation in saying that this has been a thoroughly enjoyable Conference as well as a thoroughly instructive and educational experience to us all. I think every one has enjoyed it. We have enjoyed meeting each other and hearing the varying points of view expressed—some new to many of us. I think that the nucleus of many lasting friendships has been formed, and that those friendships between delegates holding contrary views are all to the good and will be productive of a greater measure of industrial peace in the future. I wish to heartily endorse the remarks of Mr. Roberts regarding the staff of the Conference, who have so ably catered for our confort. We have indeed been looked after in a way that has left nothing to be desired. lam sure that Mr. Roberts intended to include the secretarial staff of the Conference. The Chairman (Mr. A. D. Thomson) : The Right Hon. Mr. Coates, Mr. Roberts, Mr. Bishop, and gentlemen, I need only assure you that I have felt it a very great honour to preside at your Conference. It has been a very great pleasure to me to be associated with you all. I assure you that it has been an experience that I shall treasure all my life. I have benefited very greatly as the result of hearing the various points of view that have been put forward. Ido not mind telling you a little history in connection with my being asked to preside at the Conference. I was attending another meeting when I first heard I was to be asked to act as your Chairman, and I came down late in the evening to discuss the matter with the Business Committee. There I was told what had passed, and was asked if I could accept the position of Chairman at the Conference. " Well," I said, " I have had some experience that may help me, because I have refereed in a good many football matches." I was assured that my job would not be as bad as that. It certainly has been a good deal easier than many

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