WANGANUI EMPLOYERS’ ASSOCIATION CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

Wanganui Chronicle, 19 December 1950, Page 4

WANGANUI EMPLOYERS’ ASSOCIATION CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

“As we approach the end of the year our minds catch the spirit of the season, and we contemplate the relationship that exists between master and servant,” said the president of the Wanganui Employers’ Association, Mr S. J. Sullivan, in a statement released yesterday. “The old spirit of separativeness has gone, and in its place has arisen a new approach where the master can mingle with his men, and both tc their mutual advantage become the keepers of each other. The cultivation of a closer understanding, and a higher ideal of service, should prompt both employer and employee to meet on common ground, share each others problems, and mutually protect each other’s interests.

“Where this spirit obtains both share in the frui.s of industry and industrial peace. Today the employer must interest himself in the welfare of his staff, and be in close touch with the problems and difficulties of those whom he employs. Had this been practised in the past in the various de- e partments of industry, hostility and high handedness would have been absent from our industrial relations. Organised mistrust and deliberate misunderstanding would have founc no place. When men recognise that our industrial undertakings are mutual, the wise and able plan of equal service leaves no room for disturber and wrecker of our economy.

“We owe a debt to our leaders, to those who inaugurated wise and adequate legislation, which made it possible for industry to function, while able councils decide the issues that arc in dispute. Today each member ol our community is faced with high living costs, and the difficulty of balancing the family budget. The first step in overcoming this is unity between all sections of the' people, and the will to procure the goods the people want in abundance as quickly as possible, with quality, and a fair price. We must encourage a fair balance of work and leisure, so that our people are able to maintain a sound and happy frame of mind towards their job and their fellows.

“To all our members and the personnel of their respective staffs, we extend the season's greetings, and the wish for a happy ana prosperous Nev/ Year,” Mr Sullivan concluded.