REGRET AT STRIKE

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29998, 6 December 1962, Page 16

REGRET AT STRIKE

Call For Harmony

“What a pity that on the eve of Christmas, and just when most of us are thinking about presents and Christmas puddings, mothers and children, and the manger where the Child Jesus was born, the Federation of Labour and the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants have chosen to create national strife.” said the president of the New Zealand Footwear Manufacturers’ Federation (Mr M. F. O'Brien), commenting on the rail strike. “Whether Kane, Shand, Walsh or the Government is at fault there must be a democratic w’ay of settlement. Heated .vords or irresponsible actions will not get the country anywhere. “Quiet, sensible discussions with an independent chairman if necessary could achieve wonders and avoid bitterness. The whole country must not be pushed around while a comparatively small section of the labour force makes battle.” Mr O'Brien said.

“I represent the employers of almost 5000 workers in the footwear industry, and I am positive that not one of them is in favour of the average man being inconvenienced by a lack of transport and a possible reduction in earnings.

“I am sure we all feel that unless we, as employers, employees and Government can get on peacefully in New Zealand, how on earth can we expect even the Englishspeaking peoples of the world to live in harmony? “I wonder if a greater belief and practice of Christianity would help?”