FOR INDUSTRIAL PEACE

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 195, 19 May 1928, Page 10

FOR INDUSTRIAL PEACE

CONCLUSION OF DELIBERATIONS

“BETTER UNDERSTANDING ALL

ROUND"

PRIME MINISTER THANKS CONFERENCE

’ The National Industrial Conference concluded its deliberations yesterday. After the debate on the separate proposals affecting the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act had finished, a resolution was passed with respect to New Zealand’s representation at the conference of the International Labour Office, and in the afternoon the findings of the conference, together with the independent recommendations were presented to the Prime Minister, who expressed the Government’s thanks to delegates for the work they had performed. Although the conference arrived at no conclusion regarding the vital issue of arbitration, the speeches made yesterday indicated clearly that the association of workers’ and employers’ representatives around the conference table had removed many difficulties and had made for a better understanding all round. A happy social gathering, in which both sides locked hands in the singing of “Auld Lang Syne,” concluded what will go down in history as one of the most notable industrial happenings in New Zealand’s history..

ARBITRATION SYSTEM

RIVAL PROPOSALS DEBATED

DELEGATES EXPRESS. THEIR VIEWS

NO UNANIMITY REACHED

The debate on the rival pro- i posals for the improvement of j Ihe present system of arbifra- I I ton .in New Zealand was con-

i luded by tho National Indus- ‘ (rial Conference yesterday., No ; unanimity was reached, and I each section submitted its own • rocommendatins to the Govern- I mrn!.' (

Sir. H. C. Revell, who concluded his speech (begun the previous afternoon), > said that after the long service which > the Arbitration Court had rendered to ■ the country he could not see any neces- ; city for the drastic change proposed by the employers; Mr, I'". D. Cornwell said that from : the employers' point of view the paper presented by Mr. Bishop was the most ! magnificent document presented to any j conference. He, however, regarded the paper as an attack on the working con- j ditions that had been obtained through > the Court over a number of years. The - whole paper aimed at the total destrue- t tion of the Labour movement; there was no disguising that fact. “The paper also contains one of the biggest jokes that have ever been attempted to be put. over,” declared Mr. Cornwell. “I refer to the clause that will allow the workers to have a union if the boss will let them! Such a suggestion would make one think we were living in a country such as Spain or Italy. But;; if the boss objects, the workers cannot ■ have a union. I can hardly believe that Sir. Bishop is serious. It seems too humorous to be sincere. As a whole the paper is most damaging as far as industrial unionism is concerned. . . If this thing became law there is not ■ the slightest doubt that there would be a change of Government at the nest, general election and the whole thing would be repealed.” He asked the other side to withdraw their paper and ac- ' cept the proposals advanced on behalf of the workers’ section. "Make Haste Slowly.” •• Mr. H. S. E. Turner said that finality could not rest with a judicial body but with the forces concerned. He considered the gulf between the two sections could be taken in the stride of sensible men. Rdund the foundations of the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act bad been built a structure never contemplated by by the original author of the scheme. The suggestions made at present by the employers were a necessary deflection towards the path the system should have followed. Speaking with a full sense of his responsibility, and recognising the fear of the wprkers’ representatives an to what effect the new system might have on the weaker unions, he appealed to the employers, should their proposals be translated into legislation, to , exercise patience, and make baste slowly. The proposals made for a new spirit in i'idu.ctry, and he was confident that employers generally would see that what might be termed unpatriotic employers would foe the line. Mr. J, Churchhouse considered that •farms to-day were not producing what they should: good roads and good motorcars were taking the farmers away from their farms. Big squatters were not employing labour to any great extent, and ho trusted that the committee it was proposed should investigate unemploy- 1 mnnt would inquire into the best means . of absorbing labour on the land. There i was plenty of room on the good lands for j further development, and for the absorption of a good bulk of labour, which would bring fh“ flow of capital back to the farmer, who was not receiving it , to-day. Mr. T. O'Byrne said that after the . conference opened he had asked Mr. > Churchhouse what he thought of the paper reed by Professor Murnhy. and his reply had been: "To hell with the Pope and Murphy, too." (Laughter.i Mr. O'Byrne contended that both sides held their own at the conference, and that. ■ neither had given much away. The sec- , Hong. however, had got closer together, [ end they would be all right so long as ' they were not tied together. (Laughter.) (

Mr. H. D. Acland emphatically denied that the primary industries had stood for tho compulsory system of arbitration. The compulsory principle to his knowledge had been resisted by them for over 30 years. Economists’ Suggestions. Professor Belshaw expressed his disappointment at the breakdown on the crucial issue. The deadlock was deplorable and hardly necessary. The conference had done good in an intangible way. The real cleavage, he considered, was not between tho parties but across them. He suggested that tho employers, er a. large number of them, would not be opposed to compulsory arbitration in

the case of the weak unions, and he felt that there were many - strong unions who would favour the optional system. “I suggest,” added Professor Belshaw, "that provision be made for optional arbitration where the majority of employers and employees agree; and that where this agreement cannot be obtained compulsory arbitration should be retained. It may be impossible. I have no inklisv of what happened in committee or whether such a proposal was discussed. If legislation forces parties into an optional system, which one ’ or other side does not want there is i a danger that the system will be wreck- ; ed. . . I feel certain that some of ; the unions would accept the optional i system, and if it were successful it would be extended. I see no insuperable

difficulty in having the two kinds running together. If it were not successful it would be easy to return to the , compulsory system. It seems rather j tragic that a conference of this sort, ; which is unique in the history of New i Zealand, should hare arrived at no un- ■ animity except on the three findings cou- | tained in the first report. "Putting the Boot In.” i In the opinion of Mr. W. Bromley the ! only inference to be drawn from the i speech of Mr. Turner was an appeal to i the employers, • to put it bluntly, “to put the boot in quietly and not at ! once.” He agreed with Professor Bel- ‘ shaw that it would be wrong in prin-

( ciple to force an optional system upon an organisation that did not want it. ; He contended that if the employers in- ! tended to argue that the strike or locki out was to be the final arbiter in the

* settlement of disputes, then they must ’ admit that the ultimate end of the ■; strike was the national strike, the out- ;• come of which might be civil war or revolution. If they started with the ’ one they must be prepared for the ; final stage. | A (Remark Withdrawn. The chairman of the conference (Mr. • A. D. Thomson) asked Mr. Bromley to withdraw the expression “putting the boot in.” “I am sure,” lie added, “such a thought never entered Mr. Turner's mind.” Mr. Turner said that in his mind was ■the thought that a great many unions had grown up traditionally and that they could not organise quickly under new constitutions. Therefore he had ; suggested that patience be exercised. J - Mr. Bromley withdrew the reference. In regard to the suggestion made by Professor Belshaw, Mr. T. Bloodworth (chairman of the special sub-committee) said that similar proposals _ had been considered in committee and it was felt. '■ that the two systems could not operate successfully side by side. In the view of Mr. H. C. Williams, the improved feeling the deliberations of the conference had engendered could be ' introduced into industry. He considered that the bogey of direct action had been exaggerated. To every sane man direct J action was the acme of human folly. . It was felt that, the time had come for the inauguration of improved methods for settling industrial disputes, and in his opinion the proposals advanced by the employers' section, would bring nearer the time of industrial peace. Mr. E. Kennedy declared that the employers' policy now of settling industrial disputes was the policy of the strike. "I am in perfect accord with that idea,” he added. “I believe that all disputes should be settled with the right of the strike on. The employers, however, do not declare straight out for the strike policy; they still want retained the penalties for strikes. It is a piebald strike policy they want to give us. Unless it. is straight out I will not accept it.” Mr. Kennedy desertbed the proposal for national unions as one of the most- ridiculous he bad ever read.

“It is with a good deal of sadness that I have listened to some of the closing speeches,” said Mr. J. S.- Jessep, who appealed to the workers' delegates to recognise that it- was the absolute necessity of getting greater efficiency in industry that was the factor influencing the desire of the employers to get industry away from the hard and fast jurisdiction of the Court. He wan firmly convinced that extension of the principle of conciliation would go further to keep up the standard of living than any system 1 of compulsory arbitration. Pattern for tho World. Replying to criticism of the paper prerented by the employers’ section, Mr. J. Roberts said that if Mr. Acland’s organisation desired settlement of disputes outi side the Court, the workers affected would be pleased to settle in that mani ner. Conference, he considered. had been conducted in an exemplary manner, and a high standard had been maintained throughout. “I’arliamentaries on June 28.” added Mr. Roberts, “will have difficulty in living up to that standard. There has been a very high level of intelligence on both sides, and n very high i degree of self-restraint. With our acute ! differences in committee hero the attitude has been, ‘We differ, but still we I are men. and we won’t quarrel.’ We ; have discussed these proposals fully and j cannot arrive at an agreement—a fact , we regret very much —and the only i thing is to forward our separate reconii mendations to Parliament. If the stnte- ! ments made by both sides and the papers < presented to this conference are given i full consideration, and everyone in New 1 Zealand will assist to bring about those I relations that will make for the prosperity of the Dominion, I believe by houI est endeavour we can get into law a I method of settling industrial differences 1 that would give a lead to the world on that subject. We know our industrial law was a pattern to the world. Pos- , sibly we can make a new pattern, and if we can do . that we will have done ’ something in our lives.”

INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONFERENCES

DOMINION REPRESENTATION SUGGESTION TO GOVERNMENT The question of New Zealand's representation at the conferences of the international Labour Office at Geneva was briefly discussed by the National Industrial Conference yesterday. The point was raised by Mr. T. Bloodworth, who submitted a resolution bearing upon it. He said the Government had always held.that, as New Zealand was far in advance of other countries ir. industrial legislation, representation at the conference was unnecessary; but surely the other side had to be considered. New Zealand by participating could give the conference the benefits of some of her experiences. New Zealand had refused to accept that particular responsibility under the Peace Treaty, and the result was that New Zealand was grouped with a number of the most backward countries of the world as having supplied no information to the office. The Hon. T. S. Weston considered that the matter was one outside the functions of the conference; it was a political matter and one entirely for the. Government to decide. It would be inadvisable for the conference to go outside the scope of its inquiry. He was satisfied that the Internationa] Labour Office had done good work in collecting information and disseminating it. A delegate: Then why not help the office? Mr. Weston: If it were not for the financial contributions received from Great Britain and the other members of the great Commonwealth of Nations, it is very questionable whether the League of Nations would have been able to carry on in the way it has. This country, in common with the other members of the British Commonwealth, have contributed more than any other nation or group of nations on the face of the globe.” It was idle to deny that the country had been passing through serious depression. We were beginning to emerge from it, but there was not sufficient reserve of taxation on which we could call in (he event of a crisis happening. There were still very many calls on the country’s finances, and to send delegates to the conference as suggested would not justify the expense entailed. He thought the matter could be got over by the expediture of a comparatively small sum of money on the purchase of publications from the office, and these could be distributed free. Sir. J. Roberts could not understand such au objection coming from New Zealand. New Zealand could not possibly lose by being represented at the conference. British manufacturers had found that it paid them to have the standard of living of the Hindus and the Japanese raised to enable them the better to compete against the products of those countries. Mr. A. G. Henderson suggested that the resolution might be modified so that all present could support it. Mr. Bloodworth amended the resolution to read: "That this conference desires to place on record its appreciation of the assistance it has received iu its deliberations from publications issued by the International Labour Office, Genpva. and suggests to ' the Government, that it should take into consideration the desirability of New Zealand being represented at future conferences of the International Labour organisation, as New Zealand is entitled to be represented as a member of the League of Nations.” The motion was seconded by Mr. Weston, and carried unanimously.

PRIMARY INDUSTRIES

NO EXTENSION OF ARBITRATION- WANTED

Further extension of the arbitration system to primary industries is deprecated by the report, -which the employers’ section of the National Industrial Conference yesterday submitted to the Prime Minister along with their proposals concerning the Industrial Conciliation aud Arbitration Act. “It is a matter of very great regret to all delegates representing the employers.” stated the report, "that at the end of long and most earnest deliberation in which we have given the utmost consideration to the views expressed by the workers’ representatives, it has been found impossible to present a. joint recommendation. We are all agreed as to the necessity of amending the Arbitration Act in the interests of New Zealand industries as a whole. We have no desire to amend the Act in such a way as to adversely affect the interests of the workers. Our sole desire is to improve the system of arbitration so that, industries may develop on sound economic lines, thus improving the position of workers as well as of employers. . . .

"We desire to express as strongly as possible our opinion that any further extension in practice of the arbitration system to the primary industries is impracticable and unwise. The diversity of conditions, climatic, seasonal and otherwise as between different districts and even different farms iu the same locality, is so great that collective agreements cannot operate with advantage either to employers or workers. The difficulty of making industrial awards governing primary industries has been recognised by successive Arbitration Court Judges since the inception of the system, and in their judgments has been exhaustively analysed. “Finally, we desire to give expression to our sincere desire to co-operate with the workers’ organisations in improving New Zealand industries, and our hope that although, during the present conference, the workers’ representatives have not been able to endorse our recommendations, they will by their good-will and co-operation assist us to carry them into effect rin such manner as xviJl ensure industrial peace and promote industrial welfare.” ■ . '

VALUABLE WORK

EFFORTS OF CONFERENCE

PRAISED

THE GOVERNMENT’S THANKS

VALUE OF INDUSTRIAL

PEACE

The value to a country of industrial peace and COTitentraent was stressed by the Prime Minister (Right Hon. J. G. Coates) yesterday. when expressing tho thanks of the Government to the. National Industrial Conference for the work it had done.

In presenting to the prime Minister the separate recommendations of the employers and workers representatives on the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act, the chairman of the conference (Mr A D. Thomson) said he was sure that’ all delegates had gained a better understanding and a higher understanding of the other’s point of view. In the course of the deliberations it had been found that in many cases the different, interests were nt one mid that little was required to effect a complete agreement. Throughout there had been a sincere aud earnest desire to get closer together and to devise ways and means for the furtherance of the best interests of the country. Although there had been a difference on one point the foundation had been laid, and the way paved for a still better understanding. In handing the Prime Minister the unanimous findings on the question of unemployment, immigration, and workers compensation, the chairman expressed the hope that the work done by the conference, would be of some assistance iu furthering the interests of all. On behalf of the Government, Parliament and the members of the Parliamentary Committee, the Prime Minister expressed appreciation of the work the conference had performed. Every delegate had had before him the national point of view, had approached every matter, with an open mind, and had been imbued with a desire to serve the best interests of the community and the count y He believed that the main benefits of the conference would bo represented not by the practical results but by the better understanding that had been brought about between employer and employee.

It was indeed desirable that every effort should be made to bring into being that understanding that was so essential to the creation of industrial peace in the community. The members of the Parliamentary Committee felt that their efforts had been repaid, in that an atmosphere had been created that would indicate generally to the people of New Zealand that there was a strong desire that employer and employee should understand the difficulties and points of view of each other. Imperial Conferences were almost an example of what delegates had passed through. It was not so much a question of results as the realisation and acceptance of the different points ot view expressed, and such had been the atmosphere engendered by the conference that those present would not be wanting in using every endeavour to prevent industrial conflict.

Of Interest Outside.

"I recognise the difficulties in_ the path of obtaining unanimity,” continued the Prime Minister. “Parliament made an effort last session to see if it were possible to pass legislation that would be acceptable not only to those concerned, but that, would make for industrial peace and efficiency in the future. As you have been unable to agree on one vital point, you will recognise the difficulty the Government has in front of it in launching legislation likely to make for general acceptance on the part of those directly concerned. I sincerely trust that the work you have done will be carefully considered by those whose duty it is to have before them always the concern of the people of this country; and I believe that the resolutions passed, the remarks made, and the papers submitted will bo widely read iii New Zeahind aud in other parts of the British Umpire, and also that they will be sought after by countries outside.

An Accomplishment

“It is a matter of distinct satisfaction that in New Zealand we have been able to get the . various organisations representing the different interests together. I think it is an accomplishment, and I believe it augurs well for the future that the Dominion has been able to assemble such a wide representation of interests who have got their legs under the same table to discuss matters of interest. I congratulate those present, on their work, and sincerely convey to them the feeling that it is an inspiration to those concerned with the welfare of this country and the destinies it. is bound to accomplish in tho future.”

Feace and Contentment.

The matters-' to be placed before the Government, continued Mr. Coates, necessarily required careful consideration. and in due course he sincerely trusted that satisfaction would come to those who had given such time and consideration to the questions and problems involved.

“It may be necessarily and desirable,” added Mr. Coates, “to keep in front of us the necessity on future occasions of calling together the representatives of employers and • the representatives of employees.

If wo, can keep industrial peace in. this country, then there js nothing to fear. It means everything to everybodj to have a largo section of our community satisfied that they ate getting a fair hearing and a fair deal. (Hear, hear.) If we can do that we are going to progress, because it means prosperity to every individual in our country. (Applause.).

LION AND LAMB

DELEGATES FRATERNISE A HAPPY GATHERING The lion and the lamb frolicked together at the National Industrial Conference yesterday. Following presentation of the separate reports on the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act to the Prime Minister, both sides represented at the conference exchanged stories, partook of liquid refreshment, and wound up with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne,” employers’ delegates locking hands with those of the delegates on’the other side of the table. “The King” was the first toast honoured. after which the Hon. T. S. Weston proposed the toast of the Prime Minister and tho members of the Parliamentary Committee. All. he said, were indebted to Mr. Coates and Parliament for calling the conference together. A good deal had been accomplished, and as time went on the beneficial results in the spirit created would make themselves evident. The result of the deliberations had again emphasised the need of labour and capital working together. Industrial matters needed to be discussed as scientific problems and without the use of adjectives. In his opinion more was gained by a little private ehat between parties than by tactics and playing to the gallery. Seconding the (oast, Mr. T. Bloodworth said he had found that those who held views contrary to his were honourable men and gentlemen all. When he saw their names in the future he would not associate with them the things he had 'in the past; he would always retain pleasant recollections of his association with them. The experiment the Government had undertaken in calling the conference bad been eminently successful : aud although unanimity had not "been possible in all things, the road to progress had at least been pointed to. “Country’s Best Interests.” Responding, the Prime Minister said that representatives of every political thought in Parliament appreciated the honouring of the toast. In calling the different representatives together party advantage was the last thing thought of; the proposal was regarded in the light of opening up a way to industrial peace. He expressed thanks to the manager of the conference (Hon. J. Barr) for his work in attending to the details of the conference. It was the Minister of Finance (Hon. W. D. Stewart) who originally suggested the idea of the conference, and his speech at Feilding last year bad sown the seeds from which the present Conference had grown. "I can assure you. gentlemen,” concluded Mr. Coates, “that your recommendations will receive the careful consideration of those responsible for the government of this country. We are as anxious and as earnest as you are to seek the road to peace and contentment. I believe that in the use of those two terms we can best serve the interests of our people and can reach that stage of prosperity which we hope will be the envy of the rest of the world.”

Other Work?

Speaking with characteristic humour, the Minister of Finance (Hon. W. D. Stewart) said he had suggested to the Prime Minister that such had been the degree of unanimity that it might be advisable for the conference to continue and its aid be invoked to frame a Licensing Bill that would satisfy the prohibitionists, the trade, and the general public. (Loud laughter.) “Then,” continued the Minister, “you might deal with the Bible-in-Schools question, and if the result there proved equally successful, I have numerous tariff problems for you. (Renewed laughter.) If, of course, the members of the conference would like to get away in the meantime, the Prime Minister might defer these minor, yet still important matters, until a later date.” (Loud laughter).

A Great Lead.

“It augurs well for Capital and Labour in New Zealand,” said the Acting-Minis-ter of Labour (Hon. R. A. Wright), “that a body of men such as we have here to-day can carry out their deliberations in such an amicable spirit, although there is a fundamental difference between them. In some parts of the world such a conference would have been a Donnybrook fair: a football match would not have compared with it. I am satisfied that although you have not agreed on every point, at the same time both sides represented have been able to see something of the difficulties confronting the other side, and that, indicates that you are on a fair way to solving one of the biggest problems that face the world. I hope the results of this conference will be very far-reaching in New Zealand, and be the means of laying the foundation for the solution of problems in the future.” (Applause). “A Possible Outcome.”

Professor Murphy, who was also called upon to speak, adopted the method employed by the Minister of Finance, aud provided 'delegates with several good laughs. He said that he had been afraid that the amiability with which the deliberations commenced might not be sustained in the later stages, but the atmosphere had been so friendly on Thursday that he could imagine the situation of an employer offering a worker £l2 a week wages and the employee replying: "I am sorry, sir, but really you cannot afford it.” ' (Laughter). Thus it had appeared that a lock-out would be necessarv to compel the workers to accept double wages .or a strike to compel the employers to pay half-wages. (Loud laughter i. However, what he had heard in the speeches yesterday had reassured him on that point. (Renewed laughter). Professor Murphy said he would look bark on the conference with many pleasant personal recollections. Services of Chairman. In proposing tlie toast-of the chairman (Mr. D. D. Thomson), to whom a flattering tribute was paid. Mr. J. Roberts expressed the conviction that as a

result of the conference the different sections would be able to overcome in the future a good many of the difficulties that in the past had seemed to bo insurmountable. Mr. T. O. Bishop, who seconded • the motion, said that apart from the instructive nature of the. conference, the proceedings had been a pleasant experience throughout. In addition the nucleus had been formed of lasting friendships that would assist future movements for industrial peace. . The chairman, who was received with acclamation, said his work throughout bad been most pleasant,, and had given him an experience he would treasure throughout his life. His work had been rendered easy by the assistance lie bad received from the manager of the conference (Hon. J. Barr), the members of the Business. Committee, and the members themselves. ' The proceedings concluded with (he singing of "Auld Lang Syne. ’