Reports from the Argus 100 years ago

AT THE Industrial Conference at Westminster on Friday the representatives of employers and workers agreed to support the report of the Provisional Joint Industrial Committee and to submit it for the acceptance of the constituent organisations "as soon as the Government officially declare their readiness to proceed at once with legislative and other steps to carry the report into effect".

The work for the Conference has the blessing of the Prime Minister, Sir Allan Smith, representative of the employers, Sir Robert Horne, Minister of Labour, and leaders of the Trade Union movement, including Mr Arthur Henderson, Mr J.R. Clynes and Mr J.H Thomas.

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In a letter to Sir Robert Horne, the Prime Minister welcomed the report "as it shows what can be done when the representatives of workmen and employers agree to meet to discuss their problems in a spirit of sincerity and determination to find a peaceful solution. The industrial problem is perhaps the greatest of all the problems with which we are faced..."

Its solution will only be worked out gradually, and as the result of the cooperation of all classes, having as their object in view not self-interest, but the creation of a better country for all to live in.

No one who reads the signs of the times will deny that the industrial problem must be faced and solved if we are to prosper as a nation and find happiness as individuals; and the way suggested by the Report- the way of cooperation, open conference and mutual consideration - is the right way to meet the difficulties which exist.

There was a remarkable unanimity of utterance at this Conference with reference to the essential principles which must guide our relationships in industry and business.

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The keynote of desire is found in Mr. Lloyd George's words; "The creation of a better country for all to live in;" and the way of attainment is "cooperation".

There is no hope of peace and prosperity within our borders unless all classes work together for the good of all; and we shall not do that unless we understand each other better.

We have reached a crisis which depends for its solution upon the good will of employers and work people.

To that end there must be real conference between employers and employed.

Sir RObert Horne said: "Workmen are now asking for greater knowledge of the industries in which they are working and for a greater share in their control.

"Personally, I believe that these factors also will tend to peace and harmony in our industrial life.

"Knowledge and mutual understanding by employers and the employed - enterprise, energy, the just distribution of the products of industry - these are the foundations upon which, in my view, the future fabric of our industrial life must be built up."

The proposed National Industrial Council, crowning the work of the Whitley Councils, and the Whitley Committees, will give opportunities for the attainment of that knowledge and mutual understanding.

Grenade thrown at passing troops.

The Franz and Alexander regiments recently had serious differences of opinion with General Von Voechwann. Command of the German government troops in the Rahr has been entrusted to General von Walter.

And following this, an officer and three men were wounded in an attack at Welpe, where an unknown man threw a hand grenade at passing troops.