CITY COUNCILLOR ASKS INQUIRY ON CONDUCT OF N.Z. WORKERS

Grey River Argus, 21 March 1947, Page 7

CITY COUNCILLOR ASKS INQUIRY ON CONDUCT OF N.Z. WORKERS

WELLINGTON, March 19. Cr. W. H. Stevens, at a meeting of the Wellington City Council, last night, following some mention of the tramway dispute, said that the country was fast approaching a grave situation, and if Parliament could not be called together now, the Prime Minister should be asked to set up a special non-party commission . or board. He said there was a continuing restlessness in various sections of industry which had effect on other sections. The general result boded 11 for the whole- country, particular y for those who would suffer the most and could least afford to, m the event of a crisis assuming the major proportions threatened. “There must surely be a common meeting ground between employer and the emp oye , and some basis on which each s could recognise what it was fan to demand and receive. Pa J a^ el l t should discuss the situation at one , without waiting for the usual assembly in late June. By -that time, the situation would probably nave seriously deteriorated”. A commission or board should b set up to inquire into basic causes or the shortage of male and female labour in all industries and services, and average hours worked. Tbj s w as no to be construed as a criticism of the 40-hour week, but as a means of ascertaining whether 40 hours’ return was being given for 40 hours wages. It. should also consider the cost of idleness, pride and folly as demonstrated in industrial disputes carried beyond what was reasonable to effect a fair settlement; the effect on worker and employer alike of excessive taxation; the use and misuse of leisure; trends in education; inroads of gambling; the gradual throwing off of Christian principles, and immediate and long-term remedies for whatever state of affairs was found to exist after a complete examination. . Cr. Stevens said that he recognised that in the final analysis the matters he raised were ones of individual responsibility, but, just as the country had responded in war, particularly when the situation was grave, so it would in post-war emergency if the right lead were given.

POSITION IN BRITAIN

LONDON, March 19

Sir Stafford Cripps, speaking to the Norwich Chamber of Commerce, said: “The future of the country is at risk let there be no doubt on that score. If we fail, there is no one else can make good the deficiency we shall leave, but given the will power and inspiration, we can, even with oui present equipment, get out of our difficulties over the next two or three years. Many people are now realising for the first time just what it means to fight and win two wars in a generation. Britain must avoid the danger of relaxing moral fibre and attempting an easy way out, or taking advantage of others. To fail in selfdiscipline is to invite the alternative discipline of totalitarian controls”.