BRITISH INDUSTRY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 14 January 1928, Page 7

BRITISH INDUSTRY

IMPORTANT CONFERENCE EMPLOYERS AND TRADE UNIONISTS (By Electrio Telegraph—Copyright) (Australian & N.Z. Cable Association) LONDON, 12th January. At the conference between employers and trade unionists, Sir Alfred Mond, outlining the problems, said that it was essential to examine the better organisation of industries by amalgamation, nationalisation, and the introduction of new processes and technical and administrative methods, involving the transferring and compensation of, or the pensioning of displaced workers. It was also desired to improve the worker's status and security, and to abolish the conventional idea that the factory hand was less important than office workers. Social questions requiring consideration included housing, health, and unemployment insurance schemes and industrial education, also the effect of taxation methods, and to ensure workers' interest in industrial prosperity, apart from wages and the creation of a standing committee, for periodical consultation in industrial matters. Such investigation would be prolonged and the problems ; though complex, did not represent mßuperabie difficulties. They could not expect to create a new heaven on earth. If they ensured freedom from industrial disputes, { and common!ie.i';.j humane treatment of problems, they would place Britain, which is always the leader in such matters, in the forefront. Sir Alfred'added that the employers bad formed a committee to facilitate the work, with himself as chairman, ineludine Lords Londonderry Ashhokl iitia Weir 'also Lieutenant-Colonel Vernon Willey. ". . Mr Ben Turner, replying, pointed out (hat neither side was able to implement proposals, but the Trade Union Concress claimed certain moral authority. It could convene national congresses to which tho proposals could be submitted. The. Trade Union Conference would appoint a committee to meet the employA general discussion followed, after which the conference adjourned. i An unofficial report states that both sides are certain that beneficial results will be the outcome of .the proceedings, which were characterised by frankness, goodwill and harmony. Mr Cook, miners' secretary, struck the onlv jarring note in an impassioned speech, shouting and thumping the table The conference listened quietly and 'ignored the outburst, except one emplover, and Mr Cook came out from the conference shouting—" The whole thing is an absolute farce. I declared that co-operation and goodwill is impossible while the workers are victimised. Mr Citrine deprecates separate statements regarding the conference, and denies Mr Cook's allegation that trades unionists were disgracefully attacked.