INDUSTRIAL UNITY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23274, 17 February 1939, Page 13

INDUSTRIAL UNITY

ADVISORY COUNCILS AUCKLAND CONFERENCE THE MINISTER'S PLAN PRINCIPLE FULLY APPROVED After hearing an address by the Minister of Labour, the Hon. P. C. Webb, a large and representative meeting of delegates from industrial and commercial organisations, trade unions and local bodies, held in the City Council chamber last night, unanimously approved the Minister's proposal that an industrial advisory council should be set up in Auckland, on similar lines to those already formed in southern centres.

The Mayor, Sir Ernest Davis, who presided, said that the meeting would not be invited to take the initiative in setting up the council, but after those present had discussed the matter with their organisations a further meeting would bo called. The personnel and constitution of the proposed body had yet to be determined, thb Mayor continued, but it was suggested that its objects should be:— Objects ol Council

To promote a better understanding between employers and workers as to the needs of industry; to ensure a settlement of questions giving rise to differences between employers and workers; to consider proposed legislation put forward by the Minister of Labour and to advise on any other matters submitted to the council; to make any desired representations to the Government on matters affecting the well-being, or to the advantage, of industry. The Mayor read a letter from the Auckland district council of the Federation of Labour stating that it fully supported the proposal and hoped to participate in the work of the advisory council. The Minister appealed to his hearers to sink political differences in considering the proposal. In preparing future industrial legislation, he said, the Government wished to obtain inspiration and help from those engaged in industry. This priuciple had already been applied with great success in making amendments to the Mining Act and in drafting"the Petroleum Act. Absorption of Relief Men

It was suggested that the new industrial . councils should review all future labour legislation before _ it was submitted to Parliament, said the Minister. He would be willing to accept amendments recommended by both employers and workers, although the final decision must be left to him. Other matters which the councils might consider were the. development of weak industries and the resuscitation of sick ones, the problem of placing in productive industry as many as possible of the 25,000 men now encased on relief work and the training of the army of young men whom the depression' had deprived of the opportunity of learning trades. Ho hoped that all the centres would bo linked up, and that a national council would be formed under a. constitution of its own. On the motion of Mr. H. J. Sheppard, secretary of the Auckland Tallymen's Union, seconded by Mr. J. A. C. Allum, president of the_ Auckland Provincial Employers' Association, the meeting unanimously resolved to support tho setting-up of a council.