EMPLOYERS MEET

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20109, 30 March 1928, Page 6

EMPLOYERS MEET

WANGANUI ASSOCIATION TRADE AND FINANCIAL PROBLEMS. Alatters of moment concerning the in dustrial life of the Dominion were deal

with at the. annual mooting of the Wanganui Employer’s Association presided over last evening by Air A. A. Willis.

In moving the adoption of the annual report and balance-sheet Air Willis said:—

“The executive meetings have been fairly well attended and the amount of work covered has been particularly heavy.

“The trade and financial depression that has been in evidence during the past year, created difficulties for the business community throughout lhe Dominion. While no immediate improvement is apparent, a note of optimism is sounded by the Government and financial institutions, that the position is certainly easing. This, of course, can be attributed to the improved trade balance brought about, by increased prices for our primary products and increased production thereof. The outlook so far as wool is concerned, is distinctly hopeful, and with moderation in our imports, the financial cloud should soon display the silver lining.

“An outstanding feature during the past year has been the prominence given to the question of the continuation of the Arbitraion Court- as at present constituted. Criticism levelled at the Court extended from leaving it as it is at present, altering its personnel and its total abolition. Realising that

considerable unrest existed concerning the Court, and the work it was doing, and the trend of public opinion gener-

ally as disclosed when the Industrial and Conciliation ami Arbitration Ajnendment Bill was before, the House last session, the Prime Aiinistor decided to call a conference of employers representatives of all classes of industry; representatives of workers and professors of economics etc., with a view to discussing the whole position and endeavouring to arrive at. some solution of the various matters cov-

ered by the Agenda Paper. This con ference is now in session, and I ven turc to say its deliberation will be fol lowed with the keenest interes; throughout the Dominion.

“Alembers will observe from the balance-sheet that the Association is still holding its own financially. Each year, however, brings an additional quota of work, and consequent increase in overhead expenditure.

“Our only source of income is membership, and I trust all members will used their best endeavours to increase this. The benefits and necessity for employers keeping united for their mutual good is too apjxirent to require any elaboration on my,part.” The report was adopted.

The election of officers resulted as follow:—President, Air A. A. Willis;

vico-prcsidcnt, Air A. E. Rankin; Executive Committee, Alessrs A. G. Bignell, Jas. Murray, Jas. Hodson, Geo. Bennett, W. Al. Ronnie, G. F. Newsome, F. Treloar, F. W. Chisholm, R. G. AlcNiven. H. C. Hassall, R. O. Allomos, W. Alorgan, R. J. Bell, Jas. Siddells, T. H. Rice, S. T. Pritchard and S. Dustin; auditors, Alessrs Hall and Robbins.