EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 215, 8 September 1905, Page 2

EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS.

COST OF ACCIDENT INSURANCE. INTERESTING STATEMENTS BY THE PREMIER. Press Association. Electric Telegraph, Copyright. WELLINGTON,. September 7th. Mr Seddon, replying to-night #to a deputation from the Employers' Federation, said it was a natural consequence that the cost of accident insurance would fall on the industries. It had been said that some industries could not bear the expense, and it was suggested that the State should join iv the risk, but no reason had been given for that. The State should be informed what particular industries did not make sufficient profit to meet the charges. Pie did not think "that the taxpayers would take kindly to universal insurance. There was now a Bill before Parliament dealing with breaches of awards. In his view, there should be no accumulation or these breaches. Such matters should be dealt with as speedily as possible. The Trade Monopolies Bill would deal with monopolies or trusts operating within the colony. As to the Harvester Trust, which, unfortunately for New Zealand, seem- • ed likely to commence operations, he wanted to see the industries carried on so that our young people_ would riot have to leave the country in search of employment. He would do his best to promote good feeling between employer and employee, and to hold the balance even. If a conference was arranged between representatives of the employers and the workers, he would treat it as a national affair, and would be prepared to ask Parliament to bear the expense of a gathering.