NATIONAL SERVICE SCHEME.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 4846, 18 April 1918, Page 5

NATIONAL SERVICE SCHEME.

REASSURANCES TO LABOR

UNIONS

Press Association Telegram

WELLINGTON. Apr 1 17. In reply to telegrams received, from various Labor unions in various parts of the country, Sir Joseph Ward has telegraphed : “In reply to your telegram of yesterday. 1 think you are mistaken in the conclusion you arrived at. regarding; the clause in the Finance Bill and I would suggest that you wait until you see the discussion fully reported in Hansard upon it. The clause is one intended foe the organisation of all classes, riot of Labor alone, and there is no intention on-tlie pact of the Government to utilise Labor for private gain. It is impossible for anyone to say what the necessities of the country may require in regard to the utilisation of non-essential businesses and industries owing to the possible further prolongation of tlie war, and the proposal is as much in tfie interests of and necessary for Labor as for any other class in the country. The Regulations which the Bill provides for, and which are to be laid upon the table of the House of Parliament, will be drawn up after a conference with various industries, including those of Labor, and I can, onlv give you my assurance that if there had 'been any intention to injure Labor, I should have been strongly against the proposal, as. .1 fully ‘recognise that in the crisis through which this country, together with other parts of the Empire is passing, it is essential to have the good-will of the workers and then co-operation in active sympathy with the Government in any system o organisation that may be found necessary to ensure the presen ation of the country.”