UNEMPLOYMENT PROBLEM

Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14776, 15 October 1921, Page 5

UNEMPLOYMENT PROBLEM

A BIG DEMONSTRATION scrap with the police. some violent incidents. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) LONDON, October T'J. The biggesl unemployed demonstralii'.'i ever seen in London paraded the principal streets, and a deputation of six visited tdo Premier's residence. The parade was orderly, with the exception of a.slight "scrap" with the police when Liie vanguard essayed to break the cordon into Trafalgar Square, which is forbidden ground. Later. A few hundred demonstrators succeeded in advancing 100 yards in Piccadilly Circus, when a strong Communist element instigated the previously quiet unemployed to acts of violence, unci men wearing red armlets hurled stones at the police. Violent incidents followed, and the police charged with batons, panicstricken men and women rushing into the side streets. A number were injured, including women shoppers, who were caught in the rushes. Later Ihe police came into conflict with the largo party of rcd-armleted men, resulting in the Communists being dispersed after fierce encounters. Meantime the principal body of many thousands of unemployed returned to their own localities peacefully. Four thousand foot police and 200 rnounteds were engaged in dealing with the situation. AMERICAN CONFERENCE. A SERIOUS SPLIT. CONFLICTING INTERESTS. Received October 14, 5.5 p.m. WASHINGTON, October 13. The Unemployment Conference splii over Die question of recommending wage reductions, a division occurring when the employers' representatives ptesenLed a statement declaring that, wages must come down together with prices. When a serious quarrel seemed inevitable, the conference adjourned to avert clashes between labourites and employers. Tlie latter, in a statement, said there must be no favourites in the drastic economic adjustment necessary to establish new prices; employers and employees all must meet the conditions and make a sacrifice. A minority labour report declared tiiat there must be no policy of wage reduction; on the contrary, there must be a policy of calling the highest possible rales of wages in every industry. Reduction in buying power stops purchasing, which stops manufacturing and creates unemployment.