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GENEVA LABOR CONFERENCE
OF XO VALUE TO AUSTRALIA.
The reports of the Australian dele
gates, Mr. M. T. W. Eady (employers'
representative) and Mr. R. Taylor
(workers* representative) have just
been issued and the most interesting
feature of the report of each delegate
is their agreement that the cost of an
Australian delegation is not justified,
having regard to the value of the
results.
Mr. Eady says: "I had ample oppor
tunity in Geneva to pass in review an
appreciation of the value to Australia
of our membership of the International
Labor Office. In forming this appre
ciation I gave particular attention to
a mental survey of labor legislation
in Australia which is generally re
garded as being in advance of any
thing in Europe or elsewhere. I
therefore took my line of reasoning
from the central point of the aclivities
in Geneva and tried to arrive at some
appreciation of the extent to which
Australia benefits by reason of mem
bership, bearing in mind, of course,
the annual cost involved. My con
sidered opinion is that our country has
little, if anything, to gain from con
tinued membership of the Interna
tional Labor Office, or participation in
its annual conferences."
Mr. R. Taylor says: "in conclusion,
I would say that I was extremely dis
appointed by the attitude of those in
authority and by the procedure of the
conference. The workers. have noth
ing to give; the employers are deter
mined not to give anything; and the
Government delegates, in most cases,
are merely the mouthpieces of what
ever party may he in power in their
respective countries. The cost to the
country of the Australian delegation
is very heavy, and since, in my opin
ion, we do not derive any benefit from
the 'Conference as it is at present con
stituted I would recommend that re
presentation by Australia be stopped.
This matter is for the Government to
decide, but whatever decision they ar
rive at I feel that I would not be doing
my duty to those who sent me to
Geneva if I did not express plainly my
thoughts on the matter."
The unanimity of the delegates may
make an .impression on the Govern
ment. especially in these days when it
is so vitally necessary to save every
possible shilling to balance the bud
gets and keep faith with the bond
holders.
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