MASTER AND MAN

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24127, 20 November 1941, Page 11

MASTER AND MAN

CLOSER CO-OPERATION

ideal in industry

EMPLOYERS' DISCUSSION

(S-R-) WAIRAKEI, Wednesday The annual conference of the New Zealand Manufacturers' Federation was continued at Wairakei to-day, when addresses were given by the Minister of Industries and Commerce, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, and the Minister of Labour, the Hon. P. C. Webb. Mr. Sullivan left on his return for Wellington after lunch. Mr. Webb gave a short address and will be present at the conference tomorrow. The manpower position as it affects industry will be dealt with tomorrow, when the conference will be addressed by the Director of National Service, Mr. J. S. Hunter. Several remits were dealt with today. The conference discussed at length means of obtaining a better understanding and the fullest co-operation between employers and employees, following a remit from the Wellington association. Mr. J. H. Whittaker stated that in the past employers and emplovees had been in different camps and this was not conducive to success in industry. Manufacturers were doing their best to overcome this. The suggestion that a small committee should be set up was made by Mr. W. J. Truscott, of Auckland.

Mr. S. Eeid, of Auckland, said it paid a firm handsomely to look after its employees, as they gave it all hack in service. The president of the Dunedin association, Mr. J. C. H. Somerville, said employers should give their staffs the idea that they were working with the firm and not for it.

The need to educate young workers as to their responsibilities in industry was stressed by Mr. J. Hogg, of Dunedin. Other members agreed, although it was pointed out that it was just as necessary to educate the employer. Many delegates quoted examples'of efforts made in their own firms to improve relationships, and all expressed keen appreciation of the value of a good staff.