LLOYD GEORGE AND THE WORKERS.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 6485, 11 September 1915, Page 4

LLOYD GEORGE AND THE WORKERS.

.. ..,. . -(_) ■«>■ ■■■'■■ Trade Unions Can Help in Three

Directions.

London, Sept 9

Continuing his address at the Trades Union Congress Mr Lloyd George said there were tnree directions in which the Trades Unions could help in the conflict. "Thay musfsuscend for the war period all restrictions upon the best me of skilled labour by employing unskilled men, under skilled supervision, lor all work in which highly skilled labour was not absolutely indispensable. Secondly, they must suspend practice? preventing men turning out as much work as their skilled strength permitted. Jhirdly, there must be no stoppages in essential trades. Toe profits being restricted will bring practically the whole of the rmployed in the manufacture of munitions under tbo Munitions Act, those under the Act embracing nine'ylive per cent of the labour engaged in these industries." -

The Minister said: "I am going to ask an unpleasant question: 'Had the other side's bargain been kept?' It bad been maintained honourably in many cases, but in far too many was not carried oat. If tho Government, when trying to do its best for the gallant fellows in the field, was hampered at every turn by little technical objections it \va9 impossible to do the work that the country demanded."

In mentioning an1 instance of restricted output, the Minister asked: "Will anyone defend that?" Cries of "No."

Mr Lloyd George said: "I have no more to say. That is exactly what 1 came for."

Several questions were asked and answered by Mr Lloyd Geoee, who was thanked for his attendance and speech.

Cr Lally moved —That notice be given to landowners or occupiers in the Kaionai district to cut down trees which are proving injurious to the road.—Seconded by Cr Hume and carried.

In regard to the Te Puke-Ngawaro road it was decided to refer the matter back to the Public Works Department. The supervisor was authorised to effect improvements with the grader to the Rangiuru road.

Cr Griffin said improvements were needed to the road near the Rangiuru railway station.—Mr Gray said the road should be metalled. —Action was deferred.

Cr Lally said complaints had been made to him concerning the state of the Manoeka road, and he asked the Supervisor to make an inspection the road.