ARBITRATION ACT

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21411, 1 March 1935, Page 18

ARBITRATION ACT

DEPUTATION TO PRIME MINISTER NO COMPULSORY REFERENCE TO COURT [From Our Parliamentary Reporter.! WELLINGTON, February 28. Another indication that it was not the Government's intention to amend the industrial laws to provide for compulsory arbitration was made by the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes) to-day, when replying to a deputation representing the Trades and Labour Council of New Zealand. Mr Forbes undertook to investigate allegations that sweating was occurring, and to examine a suggestion for the institution of a 40-hour week. The principal spokesman for the deputation, Mr J. Read (president of the Wellington Trades and Labour Council) said he would prefer the abolition of the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act to its continuance as amended in 1932, when the principle of compulsory conciliation and voluntary arbitration was introduced. He said voluntary arbitration meant that the strongest party at Conciliation Council proceedings simply stood back and refused to go further, and there the matter ended. Had direct action been taken, the workers could have secured higher wages at certain periods. Now the workers had to accept what the employers offered or go without an award. No one could claim that the workers had been leniently treated by the Arbitration Court. They had had to establish their case every time they went before the court. Mr E. Parlane, secretary of the New Zealand Drivers' Federation, said Mr Forbes had not kept his promise to prevent sweating. Mr Forbes asked what were the wages in the principal industries today, compared with those ruling before the act was amended. That would give some guidance as to the efleet of the act on wages. He stated there were 445 awards in 1935, and there were to-day still more than 400.

Mr Parlane said that was misleading. because many of the awards abolished were Dominion awards. Mr F. D. Cornwell, secretary of the Wellington Trades and Labour Council, advocated a 40-hour week. He said many employers believed that would come, but were awaiting a move by the Government. Replying, Mr Forbes said he had already indicated that the Government did not intend to introduce legislation bearing on the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitraton Act. Before he did anything, he wanted an opportunity to examine the situation and see'' whether the conditions were as slated by the deputation. The 40-hour week suggestion was debatable, and it was open to argument whether it would result in increased employment. It would probably add to (he cost of commodities; but he would investigate the proposal. SUPERANNUATION SYSTEM ♦ MOTION IN LEGISLATIVE j COUNCIL j i [From Our Parliamentary Koporler.l i WELLINGTON, February 28. j When the Legislative Council met \ this afternoon, the Hon. G. J. Anderson moved a motion seeking information as to the cost of a contributory | superannuation system which would provide for the compulsory retirement of all persons over the age of 60. He said there were many persons over the age of 60 capable of giving a good day's work; but there was also the problem of the young people coming on. The progress of machinery had narrowed the avenues of employment, and his scheme would alleviate the unemployment problem and encourage thrift. The main idea of his motion was to obtain information which would be valuable to members interested in the proposal. The Hon. M. Fagan, who seconded the motion, said ihat under such a scheme people could look forward to security in their old age. He also made a plea for the inauguration of an invalidity pension. The Hon. T. Bloodworth also supported the proposal, and the debate was adjourned on the motion of the Hon. R. McCallum. The Companies (Bondholders Incorporation) Bill was put through the remaining stages and passed. The British Nationality and Status of Aliens (in New Zealand) Amendment Bill was reported back from the Statutes Revision Committee with amendments.

In moving the second reading, Ihc Hon. ft. Masters, "Leader of the Legislative Council, said the Statutes Revision Committee had made amendments as a result of information which had been obtained from the Imperial authorities. It was desirable that on questions of nationality there should be uniformity throughout the Empire, and the bill was designed to bring New Zealand law into conformity with English law. Under the amendments, women who had married aliens had conferred on them the rights and privileges of British subjects, without absolutely granting them British nationality, so long as they remained in New Zealand. The bill was put through all stages and passed.