INDUSTRIAL CONFERENCE.

Grey River Argus, 14 January 1928, Page 5

INDUSTRIAL CONFERENCE.

MOND’S PROPOSALS. Attitude of T.U.C. COOK’S DENUNCIATION. • “AN ABSOLUTE FARCE.” aaid N.Z..Cable Aasn). LONDON, January Ik’. lhe employers and trade unionists met at Burlington House. An official statement says that Sir A. Mond was elected chairman. He pointed out that the employers did not represent an organisation, but were acting in their individual capacity. They realised the aspirations and position of their co-partners in industry, working in factory, railway, or shop, and did not desire to destroy trade unions. Outlining the problems, he said it was essential to examine the better organisation of industries by amalgamation of now processes, technical administrative methods, involving the transferring or compensation and pensioning of displaced workers; also to improve the workers’ status and security, abolish the conventional idea that the factory hand was less important than the office wiorkers. Social questions requiring consideration* included housing, health. unemployment. insurance scheme, and industrial education. Sir Alfred Mond continued: Also the effect of taxation methods ensure lhe workers’ interest in industrial prosperity. apart from wages. With the creation of a Standing Committer for periodical consultation in industrial matters, such investigation would b“ prolonged. The problems, though complex, did not represent insuperable difficul. ties. They could not expect to create a now heaven on earth. If they ensured freedom from industrial disputes, and common sense, human-: treatment of prbolenis, tb. n y would place Britain, which was always the leader in such matter”, in the forefront. Sir Alfred Mond added that the employers had formed a Commit l i-e to facilitate work, with himself as Chair man, including Lords Londonderry Ashfield. Weir: also Mr Vernon Willey. Mr Ben Turner, replying, pointed nut that neither side were able to implement the proposals, but the Trad* 1 Union Congress claimed a certain mora' authority, and it could convene National Congresses, to which the proposals could bo submitt.d. The T.I .C. would appoint a Committee to meet the employers. A general discussion followed, after which the Conference adjourned. An unofficial report states tiiat both sides arc certain that beneficial results will be the outcome of the proceedings, which were characterised by frankness and goodwill and harmony. Mr Cook struck the only jarring note, m an impassioned speech, shouting, am thumping the table. The Conference listened quietly, and ignored the outburst. except for one employer. Mr Cook came out from the Conference shouting “The whole thing is an absolute farce! I declared that cooperation and goodwill arc impossible while the workers arc victimised.” Mr Citrin deprecates separated statements regarding the Conference, and denies Cook’s allegations that Trade Unionists have disgracefully attacks.! him.