EVENTFUL YEAR

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 192, 11 May 1937, Page 5

EVENTFUL YEAR

Work of Employers’ Association EFFECT OF LABOUR LAWS "We have passed through the most eventful year in the history of this association,” said the president, Mr. B. Sutherland, in moving the adoption of the executive’s report at the annual meeting of the ■Wellington Employers’ Association last night. "The industrial and economic position has been somewhat changed by the drastic alterations that have been made by the Labour Government since taking oilice. One of the most tipparent results of the amended labour laws is the rapidly-increasing cost of production, which is a rather serious counter to the benefits that the Government intended to bestow upon the people. The full effect yet remains to be seen. ' “I trust, however, that one and all will co-operate to the fullest extent possible and make every- effort to assist the Government in their endeavours to improve the lor of all the people in this Dominion.” “The many changes in the industrial laws have resulted in a large increase in the work the association has been called upon to perform,” he continued. “For instance, the number of letters and circulars sent out have increased on the previous year’s total by 52 per cent. The number of pages comprised in the circulars increased by (13 per cent. Meetings attended by the secretary show an increase of 11 per cent., while the attendances at conciliation councils and the Court of Arbitration show an increase of 209 per cent, over the previous period. “The number of industrial disputes, together with other applications handled in conciliation councils and the Court of Arbitration have increased to such an extent that it is hardly possible to give a correct percentage of the number of cases, or the work involved. This branch of the work has increased by over 100 per cent, of that performed during the previous year. These facts indicate, perhaps, the value of the service our association is rendering employers. “In order that this good work may continue I call upon you to tender your full measure of support, both morally and financially. I desire to express to my two vice-presidents, Messrs. A. J. Curtis and I). H. Taylor, my thanks for their loyal support, also the executive, the secretary, Mr. IV. J. Mountjoy, and his staff for their loyal cooperation.” The report was adopted after brief discussion. Election of Officers. The election of officers resulted:— President, Mr. B. Sutherland; vice-pre-sidents, Messrs. A. J. Curtis and D. 11. Taylor; executive, Messrs. J. Andrews, W. Burton, IV. H. Ballinger, E. E. Brooking, F. Campbell, P. Coyle, \V. S. Cederbolm. R. Dentice, IV. A. Fisher, I. M. Fleming, IV. J. Gaiidin, IV. F. Graham, H. E. Guise, A. R. Hislop, T. B. Guscott. E. F. Hollands, A. A. Kelly, J. Kennedy, C. Krebs. V. E. Lareomb, IV. McLay, A. E. Mabin, 11. Mayer, F. IV. Moore, F. J. Oakes, D. F. O’Reilly, W. Parkin, C. F. Smith, L. Stewart/ W. Tunley; representative on Wellington Chamber of Commerce council, Mr. IV. S. Cederholm; auditor, Mr. T. IV. F. Marsden; secretary and treasurer, Mr. W. J. Mountjoy.