THE RICHMOND RAILWAY DISASTER.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 887, 5 August 1910, Page 5

THE RICHMOND RAILWAY DISASTER.

CONTEADICTOET EVIDENCE. By Telegraph—Press Association—Gapvrighi Melbourne, August 4. At the special inquiry regarding the Richmond disaster, Bull, the signalman at Richmond, declared tbat the South Yarra officials' statement that they got the line clear for the second train was untrue. That,' .he. said, was impossible, as there was one train already on the section. FEDERAL ARBITRATION. ! e _ . NEW BILL CRITICISED. By TeleeraDß-Presa' i ssociation-CdpyrlKht Melbourne, August 4. In the Federal House of Representatives, the Arbitration' Amendment Bill was further discussed. . " Members of tho Opposition pointed out that the raising of wages meant tho raising of prices; it merely lowered the value of the sovereign. Sir. Deakin said he doubted if preference to unionists, as proposed, was constitutional. • Several Labour members supported tho Bill. The debate was adjourned. THE BILL IN COMMITTEE. (Rcc. August 4, 11.20 p.m.) Melbourne, August 4. The House of Representatives, after an all-night sitting, carried the Arbitration Bill into its Committee stage. THE PREFERENCE CLAUSES. ' The new Commonwealth Arbitration Bill repeals.the clauso of tho principal Act, which gives tho Court discretion to award preference to unionists, subject to a number of safeguards, including the approval of a majority of those affected by the award who havo interests in common with tho applicants. Under the principal Act the Court has power to suspend or qualify such preference'if it finds the rules of the union burdensome or oppressive; or if the conditions of admission ami continuance in membership aro unreasonable; or if the union has acted unfairly or unjustly to any member in tho matter of preference. Under the new clause, it is mado mandatory upou tho Court to direct proferenco to unionists, on tho application of any party to the dispute. The new clause reads:— The Court, by its award, or by an order mado on the application of any organisation or persons bound by tho award, may prescribe a minimum rate of wages or remuneration; and in that case shall, ou the application of any party to tho industrial dispute, or of any organisation or person bound by the award— (a) Mako provision for fixing in such matter, and subject to such conditions as aro specified in the award, or order a lower rate in the case of employees who are unable to earn the minimum wage so prescribed; and (b) That as between members of organisations of employers or employees and a other persons offering or desiring servico or employment at the same time, preference shall be given to such members, other things being equal.