ECONOMIC PROBLEMS

Southland Times, Issue 19249, 13 June 1921, Page 6

ECONOMIC PROBLEMS

A FUTILE CONFERENCE. (Special to the Times.) WELLINGTON, June 10. To-day’s conference between representatives of the employers and the workers regarding the cost of living cannot be said to have achieved much. The delegates had a general round table discussion, but they did not reach any decisions affecting the movement of prices or the situation as between workers and employers. It had been thought that this conference might be the starting point for other discussion, but the delegates separated without making any arrangement for further and neither side seems to feel that there would be anything to be gained by resuming the debate.

The resolution that was adopted by the conference merely expresses an opinion as to the likelihood of a reduction in th' prices of butter, flour, and sugar in futi/e months. It conveys no new information, and does not suggest any policy. Unofficial reports indicate that the discussion during the day did little more than emphasise the divergences of opinion. If any progress is to be rna/.e towards improved understanding between employers and workers in this country the attempt apparently must be made ia another direction.