HARD HIT.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 72, 25 March 1919, Page 5

HARD HIT.

BRITAIN'S TROUBLES. SLOW TRADE RECOVERY. EMIGRATION NECESSARY. LONDON, March 10. ■\Yill Bolshevism spread? Terrible tales are coming in of Russia's stagnant and terrorised industrial districts, which are painfully dying in the throes of a severe winter. Black reports from (Icrmany have prepared Briti-h official circles for a Soviet victory there, with a period of extreme terror. The Peace Conference still regards the possibility of a spread of Kovieti&in one of the most important factors ot the Kuropean situation. l>ut it is noteworthy that President Wilson, v.ho repeatedly impresses M. CJemenccau and Mr. Lloyd < Jeorge with the gloomiest forbodings that defeat of hi> policies means a social uprising of the disappointed masses, i≤ the very man who I)}' delaying the peace feeds the d'scontent. CAUSES OF STAGNATION". The uncertainty concerning peace is the main cause of industrial dislocation.

For instance, the British engineering industry is only showing the slightest signs of recovery. It was expected to recover immediately, but there is a lack of export orders and raw materials, and employers hesitate at enterprising efforts whilst the excess profits tax, which is widely blamed for the'difficulties, remains. The slowness of recovery of general trade is partly due to the swift and well directed American competition.

British and even Australian firms are experiencing difficulty in making sales, because the American credit stands highest. America now possesses a vast portion of the world's money. AUSTRALIA OR AMERICA. The British Government is at present disappointed. True, it is a period of transition, but unless peace comes soon the unemployment grants will become unmanageable. The figures already are stupendous. .Recognising these facts, the Government lias regretfully abandoned the tine hopes, so frequently officially expressed during the war. that post-war emigration will be unnecessary, and it is moving towards subsidised emigration to the Dominions. Overseas representative.' were told at yesterday's conference that the policy would be to give the Dominions first choice of emigrants, but the Australians had to reply that they could not touch the scheme without large shipping and financial assistance, including repatriation of soldiers. It will he a real misfortune if adventurous British survivors of the war who wish to go to Australia are compelled to seek their future in America. NO 15OLSHIKS IX ENGLAND. The leaders in Paris believe that hunger is Bolshevism's breeding ground. There is no sign in Britain either of hunger or any intensive or extensive belief in Sovietism.

A great spirit or unrest is abroad, but in tho main it does not attack the constitution, and no leader has arisen to dispute the commanding positions in the Labour world of Messrs. Clynes, Thoma« and Henderson, all moderates; whilst since the election, even Mr. Snowden has been avowing his hatred of terrorism. Mr. Thomas is Labour's trusted diplomat. His formation of the " triple alliance" of the transport workers, miners and railwaymen certainly threatens a colossal and devastating hunger-making strike, but it is regarded more as a bold move in the manoeuvring for a strong position during the critical period of change. Employers know that the period will be anxious, and seem ready for any solution which will give them a fair return permitting the workers the remainder. MR. BEEBY-S VTEW. Mr. Beeby has conversed with leaders and studied the situation. He sees no sign of Bolshevism, but admits that difficult times are ahead, the solution requiring earnest disinterestedness. Mr. Beebv adds: " Nothing I've seen shakes my old faith in the British race, its steadiness and capacity to work out its own salvation."'

A striking letter from Mr. Appleton (secretary of the Union's Federation) appears in the union's official journal.

'" Hundreds of thousands of sound unionists fear the consequences of unauthorised and irresponsible stiikes. These fears are accentuated by the developing commercial situation. Tinplates are already on the market at £1 a ton less than the British cost price in Britain, and competitors are offering steel at a much lower rate than Britain can produce it, even with a subsidy. UNDERCUTTING BRTTAIX. Lancashire, with a ~~> per cent trade overseas, faces the competition of 30 per cent lower than her cost prices, while America is putting ooal into markets, formerly British monopolies, at rates impossible to Britain. Our industries must find a solution, or quit business, and consequently the mass of people know that the failure of Britain's export trade mean? overwhelming and tragic suffering for millions of innocents.