EMPLOYERS MEET.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 601, 3 November 1932, Page 5

EMPLOYERS MEET.

Annual Meeting of the Federation. EFFECT OF STRIKE THREATS. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, November 2. At the annual meeting of the New Zealand Employers’ Federation Mr A. C. Mitchell, in his presidential address, said that in the matter of price level New Zealand was in a much worse position than Great Britain. Mr Mitchell went on to give figures to show that farmers’ costs, like other costs, must be reduced. While export prices were 21 per cent below the 1914 level retail prices still were approximately 31 per cent above the 1914 level. The disparity between export and retail prices had the effect of stagnating internal trade, and there was a necessity still further to apply themselves to the problem of reducing internal costs. Arbitration Amendment. “ The amendment of the Arbitration Act was the most important event in the history of industrial relationships which occurred for many years, either in this or any other country,” stated the annual report. “ Fortunately, although there have been difficulties, they are not, so far, very serious, and it may be said that on the whole the new system is working fairly satisfactorily.” The report further says: “It is quite possible that the threats of industrial strife made at the time of the coming into force of the amendment Act had the effect of locking up capital, preventing any industrial expansion during the last few months. If agreements with some of the larger and more responsible workers’ organisations can be reached it will go a long way to restore confidence and stimulate industrial and trade activity. On the other hand the extension of strikes, which have been holding up certain industries recently, or the development of anything in the nature of a general hold up can only increase the already heavy burden the Dominion is carrying and further postpone any improvement in trade conditions.”