ARBITRATION

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2423, 31 March 1915, Page 9

ARBITRATION

—: CONCILIATION COUNCILS BEING CALLED TOGETHER COMMISSIONER'S PROCRAMME. One result of tho Arbitration Court's recent decision to resume the hearing of disputes will bo that tho Conciliation Commissioner (Mr. P. Hally) will have an exceptionally busy time during the few weeks following Easter. Probably never in tho history of the Court has there been such a full programme ahead of the Commissioner. In order to facilitate the proceedings as much as possiblo, Mr. llally has sent out a circular lettor to unions, whose disputes will have to again be referred to Conciliation Councils. .. The Jetter reads as follows:— "l'ou have doubtless already been advised, through tho medium of the Press, that tho Arbitration Court will resumo business, and in this connection I am directed by the Registrar 'that in order to facilitate tho proceedings, councils of conciliation are again to bo called together with as little delay as possible wherovor there is a reasonable prospect of either partially of wholly settling tho disputes, and, further, this procedure is to apply not only to those matters which havo not been heard, but to those cases that have been previously dealt with and whether a recommendation has been made or otherwise.' In endeavouring to give effect to tho desire of the Court, as indicated above, I would be glad to have your assistance and co-operation. A large number of cases have been filed in the Industrial District of Wellington, and it may possibly put you to some inconvenience to attend meetings of the council .it short notice which, under the circumstances, is unavoidable, nevertheless I will esteem it a favour if yo\j will use your utmost endeavours to assist as far as you possibly can. T am unable at present to advise you definitely as to when your particular case will he dealt with; you will, however, Teceive notice within tho course of a day or two. The first section of disputes that will receive attention will comprise those that havo been filed and adjournments agreed to, pending the decision of the Court. The fieoond class will include those which have been partially, heard and referred to the Court. The remaining disputes will be thoso iii whiiih incomplete recommendations were agreed to. In this category it is expected by the Court that further points may be settled or complete settlements arrived at."