UNREST IN INDUSTRY

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25139, 21 March 1947, Page 10

UNREST IN INDUSTRY

POSSIBILITY OF GRAVE SITUATION SEEN INQUIRY BY COMMISSION SUGGESTED (P.A.) WELLINGTON, March 20. A suggestion that if Parliament could not be called together immediately to discuss the situation, a commission or board should be set up to inquire into the basic causes of the present uneasiness in industry was made by Cr, W. H. Stevens at a meeting of the Wellington City Council after some mention of the tramway position. Cr. Stevens said that the country was fast approaching a grave situation, and if Parliament could not be called together now, the Prime Minister should be asked to set up a special nop-party commission or board. There was continuing restlessness in various sections of/industry which had its effect on other sections. The general result boded ill for the whole epuntry, particularly for those who would suffer most and could least afford to in the event of a crisis assuming the major proportions threatened. There must surely be a common meeting ground between employer and employee, he said, and some basis on which each side could recognise what it was fair to demand and receive. He thought Parliament should discuss the situation at once without waiting for' the usual assembly in late June. By that time the situation would probably have seriously deteriorated. Labour Shortage A commission or board should be set up to inquire into the basic causes of the shortage of both male and female labour in all industries and services, the average hours worked—this not - to be construed as a criticism of the 40-hour week, but only as a means of ascertaining whether 40 hours’ return was being given for 40 hours’ wages. It also should consider the cost of idleness, pride, and folly as demonstrated in industrial disputes carried beyond what was reasonable to effect a fair settlement; the effect on worker and employer alike of excessive taxation; the use and misuse of leisure; trends in education; inroads of gambling; the gradual throwing off of Christian principles; and immediate and long-term remedies for whatever state of affairs was found to exist after a complete examination. Cr. Stevens said he recognised that in the final analysis tha matters he raised were ones of individual responsibility, but. just as the country had responded in war, particularly so when the situation was grave, so it would in the post-war emergency if the right lead were given.