Lecture at Denaby on Post-War Relations

March 1916

Mexborough and Swinton Times March 4, 1916

Lecture at Denaby
Prof Greenwood on Post-War relations

In the large Hall, Denaby, on Thursday evening, a lecture under the auspices of the workers Educational Association was given by Mr Arthur Greenwood, B.Sc., Chairman of the Yorkshire District Council of the Association, and Secretary of the Council for the Study of International Relations. The subject was “What the war means to miners.” The chair was taken by Mr James Kelsall, in the absence of Mr Sam Roebuck, of Barnsley.

Mr Greenwood said that deep seated changes were taking place in many industry since the war began, and one wondered what the immediate effect of it would be at the end of the war. It was obvious that all over the Continent of Europe there would be an enormous amount of ruined prosperity to set right again, especially in the big industrial areas.

On the other hand, if this country could not carry on trade with other countries we should be hard put to it, and therefore a great deal depended on whether foreign trade would spring up again. Some Chamber of Commerce were declaring that they did not intend starting trade relations with the German Empire, but they would probably think they were foolish in 10 years time. They cut out that trade and industry and commerce must necessarily suffer. It would be necessary for the Government to handle the industrial problem wisely.

With the end of the war there would be probably be a burst of trade activity followed by a number of lean years with great depression and unemployment. Mr Graham went on to speak of the sacrifices which the trade union movement that made at the call of the Government, sacrifices which he said were greater than those asked of any other class of the community. They been promised that there trade union regulation will be given back after the war, but he was afraid that by that time condition would have changed so much that they would be useless and obsolete.

Mr Green further emphasised the importance to the working classes of education, acquired by every means possible.

At the conclusion vote of thanks was recorded a lecturer, on the proposition of the chairman.