INDUSTRIAL UNREST

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22525, 16 September 1936, Page 12

INDUSTRIAL UNREST

Attention was drawn in the House of Representatives yesterday to the stoppages of work that have become common in recent weeks. Mr. W. J. Broadfoot asked the Prime Minister whether he would take steps to ensure that constitutional means were taken for settling future disputes. In reply Mr. Savage attempted to excuse the industrial unrest as being due to . "misunderstandings regarding interpretations" which were "bound to occur during the period of transition." lie took satisfaction, "considering the multiplicity of occupations and industries affected," that the troubles were of a "minor" nature. If the scope and complexity of the new industrial laws can be accepted as an excuse for unlawful action, as Mr. Savage suggests, then he is blaming his own legislation. That places the blame where it belongs. The changes have been too sweeping and sudden, and too radical. .No time was allowed for appreciation of the new requirements and the making of adjustments. Another item of blame attaching to the Government is that Ministers, and especially the Prime Minister, led the workers to believo that the industrial millennium could be produced overnight, as it were, by legislation. They are largely responsible for the disappointment that has been given expression by direct action. Finally, it is not true to assert, as Mr. Savage does, that machinery has been provided for the more rapid settlement of disputes. The occupations and industries affected have truly been multiplied, but the machinery provided to deal with disputes remains the same.