THE ARBITRATION ACT.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11501, 6 February 1903, Page 8

THE ARBITRATION ACT.

STATEMENT BY THE PREMIER.

• (PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) WELLINGTON, February 5. Replying to a deputation of Trades Unionists, complaining of the administration of tlie Arbitration Court, the Premier promised to make enquiries ac to the cause of delays. He said a radical change seemed necessary. Hβ wae sorry to hear the expressions of opinion concerning the Court which he had heard lately. The appointment of a Supreme Court Judge as President of the Court, it was thought, would give the office, and the whole thing, a superior position, and would be better for all parties concerned, but it seemed now that. it was instead going to draw and bring down the Supreme Court itself. It this went on, he thought it would be a matter for the Legislature to take into r consideration. He would say without hesitation that he did not thank the President of the Court would desire to act partially or do anything unfair or unjust. If the employers and unions were continually being harassed by anything being done in administering the. Act, that woe never intended by the Legislature, which would take good iare to see , that it did not go on. With regard to taking proceeding* fo) bleaches of the award, lie thought this should be done by someone outride the Union, and that the Government would liave to appoint some outside authority— neither a unionist nor employer, or under •control of either.