EMPLOYERS’ REUNION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17273, 14 September 1916, Page 9

EMPLOYERS’ REUNION.

ANNUAL GATHERING OF THE ASSOCIATION.

BRITISH TRADE AFTER THE WAR

ADDRESS BY MR ,J. R. HAYWARD

The annual meeting of members of tho Canterbury Employees’ Association was held at Aschoff’s Dining Rooms last evening, the proceedings, in accordance with an annual custom, taking the form of a dinner. Air J. R. Hayward (president) occupied the chair, and there was an attendance of about sixty members. The Mayor and Air H. S. Bourn ((president of tho Canterbury Chamber of Commerce) woro present by invitation. PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS.

Tho president, in opening his annual address, eulogised tho truly heroic efforts and supremo sacrifices that were being made throughout, the British Empire to gain a. decisive and lasting victory over tho enemy, and said that all should express their admiration of and gratitude for the great and glorious Armies of Britain’s Allies, whose deeds of valour and supreme sacrifice had filled tho pages of history with such magnificent records of bravery and endurance as were never chronicled before in the history of the world. LESSONS OF THE WAR,

So keenly did lie feel the significance of tho words “ The British Empire for British people” that it "was his intention to place before his hearers a few of the most important lessons taught by this most terrible of all wars and to offer some suggestions that, if acted •upon, would in Iris opinion go a long way to bring about the desire of the heart of every true Britisher, which was so ably put by a statesman a few montlm ago:— “• British goods for British people, carried in British ships.” It would be necessary in tho near future to consider whether some movement should not bo inaugurated which had for its objects the fostering of closer trade relations between New Zealand and the Afother Country, and the impositions of tariffs high enough to practically exclude all goods from enemy countries. No business inau who had taken an intelligent interest in the commercial policy of Germany in the puso and the tremendous effects it had had on the' British Empire would have an;.’ doubts as to the absolute necessity for each portion of the Empiro taking such steps as would check Germany’s further attempts to exploit British markets. A few firms at Home who had had largo dealings with Germany in the past were opposing any proposal to break off commercial relations with that country after the war, but selfpreservation, not to mention patriotism, must tako precedence of eve r y other consideration. GERMANY'S HOLD ON MARKETS. He directed tho special attention of the meeting to a few iriiportant facts gleaned from various sources which could not fail to convince the most generons-minded Britisher that drastic and energetic action must be taken to preserve the nation from the unspeakable German. When war broke out the secret agents of Germany had laid their plans so cleverly and successfully that Britain’s whole financial system was in jeopardy. A moratorium hnd to be declared, so that the banks and financial hchises of the country might he saved front tire meshes of the German financial net. Britain’s sugar supply was controlled by Germany and a sugar commission had to be set up to meet the country’s needs. The metal market was dominated ‘by Germany, so also woro certain explosives and chemical dyes, and the Government in haste had to improvise make-shift manufactures at great cost. The British Government was entitled to tho highest praise for tho expeditious and thorough manner in which it had grappled with almost insuperable difficulties. During the first few months of the ‘ war Britain fought under overy possible financial, commercial and industrial disadvantage, which was undc’abtedly duo to the great ingenuity of the Germans at the time they enjoyed the- hospitality of our nation. While Britain had managed to exist without Germany; and Ausfcria since the war began, it had been a great struggle against obstacles which were deliberately created by the Germans. THE WAR TO COAIE. After all the indisputable evidence in existence of tho resolve of the Germans to ruin Britain commercially, which they purposed accomplishing in tho past, was it not unspeakably strange that there were men holding prominent positions in Britain who told tho people to shut their eyes to the past doings of the most unmoral people in Europe, whose lack of principle and innate baseness they have q-qly been in a T>osi'kion "to com pi chcnd since the war commenced. They must not shut their eyes to the designs of the enemies, not only of ourselves, of the whole human race, and tf'y must not turn a deaf ear to the warnings given by the greatest military ■renius Britain ever had, the late Lord Kitchener, and by some of the leading statesmen of the Empire. Let them not fold their arms as thc-bulk of the Rritish nation did four years ago when the late Lord Roberts uttered liis ■solemn warning of the great conflict that was awaiting them. They must understand that Britishers had no alternative, if thev wished to continue to vist on tho earth, but to fight-and to fight ‘ very strenuously against the economic warfare Germany would launch against them as soon as the war was over. CLOSER UNION. Mr Asquith recently said in the House of Commons, “ We have to convince the enemy that tho Allies are resolved to wage war with the same unity aud determination in the economic "field as in the military field.*’ The war had opened their eyes to the full meaning of the German system of economic penetration. That New Zealand would, in common with the other dominions, organise for aftcr-the-war trade might be taken for granted. Air W. M. Hughes urged for Australia the adoption of an effective Empire tariff with reciprocal arrangements between various parts of the Empire; the fixing of the period during which enemy subjects could not ho naturalised; and the permanent exclusion of enemy goods. On these points the Empiro would, no doubt, arrive at some general agreement. By a common commercial policy tho various parts of the British Empire would ho brought into closer union. Their resources would bo developed and their economic independence assured. It was rightly urged that these matters should even now bo seriously discussed between the Imperial authorities and the Ministers of the overseas dominions. As Lord Barker observed “ It would bo a fatal and unpardonable mistake to postpone consideration for fear of reviving controversies which ought to be put aside altogether.” NEW ZEALAND’S PROBLEAIS. But besides entering into new and far-reaching trade relations with Great Britain, New Zealand would havo to face other after-thn-war problems which specially concerned herself, such as:— 1. The provision of productive and remunerative employment for returned

soldiers; affording them every opportunity to do their host for themselves and their country, and giving them that fooling of independence to which they wove fully entitled. 2. Tlio fostering and development of technical institutions, in order to develop skilled operatives and to find fit and proper employment for hoys, in order that there should be no lack of efficient workers for the Dominions industries. •

3. The study of tho matter of efficiency in relation to present industries from such standpoints as organisation, plant, output and marketing. 4. The early study of now industries that could advantageously be carried on under present conditions. A "NEW ZEALAND EMPIRE LEAGUE.”

It seemed to him, therefore, that some organisation should be formed for the purpose of dealing in an effective and comprehensive manner with both local and Imperial affairs. Tho business people of New Zealand would have to be in the closest touch with the Government of the day, and watch legislation affecting the commercial policy of the country. He thought the Government would welcome rather than resent any assistance they could give them. As ho had pointed cut, they would have to fight for their economic existence perhaps for very many years, and this fighting, if it were to be effectively done, must be organised and under proper control. The whole commercial community would have to make itself felt in a way it had never done before.

He would suggest that n Now Zealand Emp’re League should ho formed, with branches in every centre. The uork would he of’a very important character, and the officers appointed would requiro to devote the whole of their time to the business of the league. They would, in fact, be roouired to make a special study of all matters dealt with or likely to be dealt with by a competent body of men. It would be found that there would be amnio scope for a live and aggressive body, having for its objects the maintenance and promotion of the commercial arc! industrial prosperity of the country, and he was of the opinion that steps should be taken at once to establish such an organisation.

He wished to take this opportunity bf expressing to many members of the executive his most sincere thanks for the great assistance they have given him during the past two years to successfully carry on the work of the association, and he also wished to thank Air Cooper for his untiring energy on behalf of tho association and for the able manner in wlncb he had carried cut- Irs vorv responsible duties. Members would be lT t ,r l to learn that the fndernt’on it) Wellington was about to chow Air Cooper in a tanc’hle manner its appreciation of the pxc<'l)cn+ statistical work ho had done during flic past voar.

Tho sneaker then moved the adoption of the report and bnUnce-riieot. THE PROPOSALS DISCUSSED.

In seconding the motion, Mr F. W. Hobbs said that a proposal would come before the meeting later dealing with increasing the annual subscription. It was necessary to give this power, owing to the many expenses attendant upon the administration of the association’s affairs. Dealing with the president’s address, he congratulated Air Hayward upon the broad and nonpartisan tone of his speech. It wns pleasant to think that they could meet that evening not as employers, but on the broader basis of citizens of the Empire. The economic and commercial problems that would have to be solved in connection with the closer unifying of tho Empire after the war would require the application of the keenest and most highly qualified brains in the Empire. Ho believed that it would be impossible for Germany to pay any great sums by way of indemnities. It must also be remembered that if Britain ceased to buy goods from Germany, Germany would cease to buy goods from Britain. In many branches of manufacture Germany held tho field to-day, and there would bo difficulties in the way, after the war, until such time as Britain could get those manufactures satisfactorily established within her own Empire. He hoped that tho proposal made by Atr Hayward tor the foundation of an Empire League would receive support, but he feared that the experts on trade and economics who were to do the work outlined by the president would ho hard to find iii New Zealand. However, a body working along some sucli lines would have a wide field of usefulness, but he hoped that such a body would not adopt a policy of raising a higher tariff wall against either the Motherland or the sister dominions. Ho would strenuously oppose any such proposal. WORK FOR RETURNED SOLDIERS Dealing with tho prouiem of employment for returned soldiers, the speaker said that m the case of returned men able to undertake only light work, it had been proposed Unit employers should bo empowered, by an under-rate worker’s penult, to pay such a man just what his services were worth, and that the Patriotic bund should subsidise tho man’s wages to an extent which would bring them up to full rate. Such an arrangement, would have to be carefully safeguarded, but lie did not fear that any employer would attempt to take an unfair advantage of the arrangement. Air W. Goss said that unless steps were taken to prevent Germany pursuing the same trade tactics as she had pursued in tho past, no considerations of patriotism would prevent people buying cheap German goods five years after the war. Re was glad to set) that the chairman had emphasised the necessity for prompt action. New Zealand could not do much, but she could do something, and sho might do a good deal by agitation and example. GERMAN SPIES. The Mayor (Air 11. Holland) said he was in entire sympathy with the spirit underlying tho president’s address. Germans had abused the privileges extended to them in English-speaking countries, and had played the part of spies upon tho country that extended hospitality to them. When tins war was brought to a successful conclusion they ■ would ho wise to take Lord Kitchener’s advice and exclude enemy subjects from naturalisation privileges for' a period of twenty-one years. Dealing with war-time trade, he said it was a monstrous shame to allow the country to be flooded with foreign-made motor-cars. Tn Britain no foreign-made motor-cars were admitted while British manufacturers were engaged in munition work, and Now Zealand should follow that example. In reference to the problem of employment for returned soldiers, ho said that certain business men in this city had offered to teach returned soldiers valuable trndo secrets, and instruct them in n trade. Yet, these business men were subjected to unrestricted foreign competition. Now Zealand had imported £(5000 worth of foreign eggs recently. What encouragement was there for New Zealanders to develop the poultry farming industry when filthily-packed eggs were admitted from Chinn, and such places? It lay with importers to stick to the Alotherland, without whoso protection New Zealand would not enjoy safety during a world-war. He knew importers had to meet demands of consumers, but if consumers could not obtain foreign goods they would have to tako British goods. NEW ZEALAND’S TASK. Mr H. D. Acland said tho war had altered many people’s views on tho subject of frcetriulc and protection. They knew now that certain industries must be maintained, whether they paid connmercially or not* because of their milj-

tarv value, or because of their importance in relation to the existence of oilier industries. For instance, the present scarcity of rennet was jeopardising the cheese industry in New Zealand. New Zealand hnd a task beforo her right away in taking steps to prevent enemy subjects holding shares in companies operating in British dominions. Tho chairman mid it would bo the business of tho Empire League to ascertain all the manufactures of the Empire, and to foster the importation of those British manufactures that were needed in NVw Zealand. Tie understood a. public meeting had been con--ver.ed by the Board of Industries, when tho matters dealt with, in his address would doubtless be further discussed. The report and balance-sheet were unanimously adopted. ELECTION OF EXECUTIVE. The members of the Executive Committee wore re-elected on bloc, with tho addition of Alcssrs S. lv. Sleigh, C. J. Colville and T. E. Fraser. INCH EASED SUBSCRIPTION. On the motion of the chairman an amendment was made to tho rule rognrding tho annual subscript ion, empowering the executive to increase the subscription up to Iff per cent,. The chairman added that lie hoped it would not ho necessary to increase the subscription for the coming year, owing to an increased membership. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. At a subsequent meeting of the executive the following officers were elected: —President, Air C. IT. Hewlett ; vice-presidents, Messrs A. F. Drayton and J. R. Hayward.