LABOUR TURMOIL

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10206, 17 February 1919, Page 6

LABOUR TURMOIL

ATTITUDE OF GOSVtMONS

JTATEMENT BY MR BONAR LAW

..... ~, ~ ;. rea » AModatlon-flopyrisM Australia' and N-Z. Cable Association. LONDON, February loin tho' House of Commons, Mr W.Bruce moved-nn amendment to the Address-in-Roply, regretting the absence of definite proposals to deal villi this industrial unrest.

Vr J H. Thomas seconded the mofji? He said that at present there vcro a million men and women imci>«?!oved. Tho difficulties with the railwavs, and transport wdrkcin Verc so serious that tho country uivdit at any moment be plunged into "one of the greatest industrial upheavals. Ho protested that the Premier was neglecting to deal with profiteering as a cause of unrest, and urged the abandonment of secrecy "in settling" disputes. " '" ' -—•---- Mr Bonar Law, in replying, in tne absence of Mr Lloyd Georgo on portant business, said he hoped the" amendment would not be pressed. The country was facing a difficult problem. He urged the Labour members to refrain from condemning the Government before it hod an opportunity, or, fulfilling its promises. Never in history were the employers more roady to agree that the workers should hav© a larger share of profits. The eighthour day for railwaymen was a step forward. The Government was endeavouring to extend better conditions- It had not shown tendencios towards profiteers. The Government wa3 prepared to inquire into the question of the nationalisation of cojw mines. Any amelioration would bo retrospective."' The country was undoubtedly passing through anxious ■times, and the next few months would be critical, but he believed it would be able to pull through. He urged tho employers to take their courage in their hands, and not make it necessary„to< launch new enterprises. The amendment was negatived by 311 votes to 59. DEADLOCK ~TN TRANSPORTERS' DISPUTE. Australian and JJ.Z. Cable Association. (Received February 16, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, February 14. . Efforts to settle the transporters' daims have reached » deadlock. The Belfast "trouble is again grave. A meeting of the strikers' unions carried a resolution against tho acceptance of the employers' offer. CONTINUANCE OF STRIKE FAVOURED. Renter's Telezmms. (Received Februarv 10, 11 p.m.) BELFAST, February 15. A vote which has been taken favours continuing the strike. Troops took possession of the gas and electricity services. J