THE EMPIRE EXHIBITION

Otago Witness, Issue 3662, 20 May 1924, Page 22

THE EMPIRE EXHIBITION

DISCONTENT AMONG WORKERS. LONDON. May 12. Mr Brantley, secretary of the Trades Union Congress, in a statement to the Daily Herald, declared that there was deep-seated discontent among many workers at Wembley Park owing to the employment conditions. Unless proper trade union conditions were substituted Labour would have to seriously consider withdrawal from all association with the exhibition. A conference between representatives of the management, the contractors, and employees will be held on May 16, at which the former will be asked to recognise a works council, representing all section of the employees. OSTRACISM URGED. LONDON, May 13. In an outspoken speech during a visit to the Birmingham section of the British Industries Fair, Sir Bourchier Wrey, Chief Commissioner for Southern Rhodesia, expressed astonishment, in view of what had happened, that the people of the dominions intended to visit Britain in connection with the Empire Exhibition at Wembley He said the British Government was prepared to extend the hand of 'riendship to Bolshevists, while refusing encouragement and support to the dominions, and further handicapping the British motor car industry. VISIT OF ROYALTY. LONDON, May 14. The King and Queen, accompanied by the Rumanian King and Queen, privately visited the Empire Exhibition at Wembley. They were favoured by the warmest and sunniest day since the Exhibition opened. The tour included the palaces of engineering and industry and the pavilions of India, Burma, "Ceylon, Hongkong, British Guiana, the West Indies, Newfoundland, and Fiji. DISCUSSION IN PARLIAMENT. LONDON, May 14. The House of Commons, without division, agreed to increase the Government guarantee in connection with the Empire Exhibition from £IOO,OOO to £600,000. After notice to reduce the extended guarantees had been withdrawn. Mr W. Lunn explained that the cost incurred by the Exhibition authorities to opening day was £2.823,000, less revenue amounting to £594,000. A further £379,000 would be required to complete the construction. Mr J. H. Thomas (Colonial Secretary), in replying to critics, said it was hoped that it might later be decided to contine the Exhibition. The assets, in any case, would not be thrown away. The Exhibition was a magnificent success, and he did not believe a penny of this guarantee would be required. Mrs Wintringham moved a resolution urging the employment of more women police at Wembley. Mr Thomas, in replying, denied that there was any evidence whatever that special protection was necessary because of the presence of coloured men. He said that women would be employed if required. The amendment was negatived without division. Replying to Mr Somerville, Mr Thomas said every one of the dominions was spending more on the Exhibition than the British Government.