INDUSTRIAL TROUBLES

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25566, 6 August 1948, Page 5

INDUSTRIAL TROUBLES

PROPOSED NATIONAL CONFERENCE

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL’S DISCUSSION

(P.A.) WELLINGTON. August 5. Some opposition to a proposal to call a national industrial conference with .he object of improving industrial relations was expressed in the Legislative Council to-day, when a debate began on a suggestion made on Wednesday by Mr T. O. Bishop (Lower Hutt). Mr W. Grounds (North Auckland) said most thoughtful people in New Zealand felt increasingly concerned at the restlessness that existed in industrial affairs, as it was likely to disturb seriously the country’s economic stability. “Perhaps turbulence or truculence would be a better term than restlessness,” added Mr Grounds. No one doubted the sincerity of Mr Bishop’s desire, but the emphasis in his resolution was wrong in that it was placed on defects in legislation, when New Zealand had perhaps the most advanced industrial legislation in the world. Political remedies for social evils, or deficiencies were ineffective unless the people for whom they - were framed were socially minded, and would accept the provisions with the same spirit as that in which thej» were framed. Socialist plans had to be acceptable to the public before they could be satisfactory. “This suggestion for a conference is just another palliative,” said Mr Grounds. Rather than legislation or a commission, what was wanted was more education of the public and the development of a sense of responsibility in all sections of the community. . Mr T. Bloodworth (Auckland) said it was only by such a conference as suggested by Mr Bishop that they could get people to understand the position as a whole. It had to be realised that all the country’s wisdom did not rest in two Houses of Parliament, which must call for aid from those more intimately engaged in industry. If the democratic way of life was to be preserved all must get together and discuss the difficulties which faced the country.

w ?he Leader of the Council (Mr D. Wilson) said there was unrest, which was impeding production, but it was indisputable that New Zealand’s industrial laws were the best in the world. They should prevent industrial strife to a large extent. If those laws did not function then the human element -must be at fault. He thought Mr Bishon’s main purpose was to have a to find where the fault existed.

“If the motion is passed by the Council, I will do my utmost to see that it receives the greatest consideration by the Government,” said Mr Wilson. At this stage the debate was ad» journed.