LLOYD GEORGE'S APPEAL TO WORKERS.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 6484, 10 September 1915, Page 3

LLOYD GEORGE'S APPEAL TO WORKERS.

War Now a Conflict Between Mechanics. Rec Sept 10, 11.30 a.m. London, Sept 9.

Mr Lloyd George, Minister of Munitions, was accorded an ovation at the Trade Union Congress. He said: "I am grateful for the opportunity to unfold the situation. You represent one of the most powerful forces in directing the country's life. With you victory is assured; without you our cause is lost. I come here as the greatest employer of labour in the country. I am also a trade unionist. You pledged yourselves yesterday, as the representatives of organised labour, to assist the Government in the successful prosecution of the war. I am sure you mean it. lam here to take you, on behalf of the Government, at your word.

The war has resolved itself into a conflict between the mechanics of the respective nations and I believe the British workmen is the better of the two. The Government has established sixteen national arsenals. It is constructing eleven more and to work these old and new arsenals two hundred thousand more unskilled men and women are wanted. Tbe country is not doing its best. It is entirely a labour problem . You can assist."

A voice interjected: "So can the employers."

Mr Lloyd George replied "I am not going to spare th« employers."— Cheers.

Continuing, the Minister stated: "The machinery applicable for war materials is not working night and day. Only fifteen per cent of the machieery is working night shifts and turning out cannon, rifles, and war material. With plenty of labour the factories would be occupied continuously. Think what material could be thu3 supplied. The problem is not for destroying but for saving the life of our young men." Mr Lloyd George went on to say: "If every skilled man were employed there would still never be enough labour for the taslc in hand, the Government would be unable to-equip the army unless the trade unions helped."