SPIRIT OF GOODWILL.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 238, 5 September 1928, Page 9

SPIRIT OF GOODWILL.

INDUSTRIAL CONFERENCE

MUCH GOOD HOPED EOll.

When tho report of the National Industrial Conference was presented to tho House of Representatives on Friday, Mr J. A. Nash said: Ido not desire to take part in tho discussion this afternoon. I was a member of the Parliamentary committee that was set up to deal with this matter. After tho committee had met several times and had discussed fully the nature of •the conference we came to the decision that members of Parliament — members of the committee--should not take any part in tho debates of the conference. 1 think that in itself, was a very wise suggestion on the part of tho Prime Minister; it came from him. It was felt that there should be freedom and liberty to those who were representing the employers and employees to discuss the matter from their own particular points of view, and not from those of members of Parliament. For that reason w© were able to be present at some of the sittings of the conference, but we were, of course, excluded from tire numerous committee meetings held from time to time. I cannot agree with the Iron, member when ho suggests that the Government should immediately act in connection with the matters which were finalised at the conference; immigration and other matters he instanced. I feel that the conference has done much good; it has brought about a spirit of goodwill between the representatives of the employers and those of the employees, and it has also brought about a certain amount of unity between the employers themselves. It was a pleasant surprise to me to find at the termination of the conference (such a spleindid feeling prevailing between the two parties, but in view of the fact that the Prime Minister proposed that another conference should he held at an early date to still further prosecute the matter, I think it would lie inadvisable for tho Government to introduce any legislation at the present time. I do not know what the Prime Minister has in view, but personally I feel that the whole matter should he held in abeyance in the meantime. After hearing the discussions with regard to tho Arbitration Court, and the many suggestions which were made at the conference in favour of the Court, as well as those which were opposed to it, one can only come to the conclusion that it would be fatal to attempt in any way to dispense with the Court. It has carried, on now for many years successfully, though there are ‘difficulties at times, arising from the fact that tho Judge and lus two assessors are called upon frequently to determine questions involving technical and intricate knowledge ot diverse industries. If industrial disputes could, bo determined by those wlio have a knowledge of the particular trade involved—determined by conciliation —T. think it would ho better for all concerned. Tho position, however, is very difficult from the farmer’s point of view. In one year a farmer may have a very successful season and find himself in tlio position of being able to employ and pay reasonable rates for labour, and m the following year everything may eo against him. The result is that his farm lias "to go back because bo is not in the position to pay for labour to carry it on. For that reason alone, where we have disputes which affect the farming community, I think it the matter could be settled by industrial conciliation it would ho so much the better. I presume that the Prime Minister wants to speak on tins matter, and I do not want to take up tbo whole of the time. Therefore, I meieiv say, in conclusion, rthat, as far as Jam personally concerned, I welcome the proposal on tlio part of tile Prime Minister to hold another conference to see whether it is not possible to introduce next session legislation which will make for the welfare of both the employers and tho employees.