The Dominion. MONDAY,'MAY 8, 1916. WORK FOR INJURED SOLDIERS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2765, 8 May 1916, Page 4

The Dominion. MONDAY,'MAY 8, 1916. WORK FOR INJURED SOLDIERS

There is after all very little difference . between the views of the Prime Minister, and those of the deputation of trades unionists which waited on him last week in connection with the suspension of tho Arbitration Act to the extent of permitting tho special employment of discharged soldiers. The purpose of the Order-in-Council under which the suspension was made was clearly explained by Mr. Massey, and no one can fairly take exception to tho object aimed at. Anything within, reason that can bo done for tho soldiers who have, returned from the front incapacitated from following their ordinary avocations should be done and it is not asking very much of the trades unions or anyone else that the. restrictioiu _ imposed in ordinary times on civilians in the matter of securing employment should be relaxed in.the interests of returned soldiers. At the same time, in the matter of tho employment of returned soldiers; at underrate wages, while they are qualifying for full-rate pay, or because of some physical handicap due to wounds or the effects of disease incurred while on active service, proper safeguards should be provided to prevent tho system being used as a lever to lower the existing' standard of wage or to. enable an unscrupulous employer to profit at the expense of his soldieremployee and unionists generally. So far as can be gathered from their remarks, the trades union representatives who. waited on the ■ Prime Minister do not object to 'the principle of discharged soldiers receiving the special preference provided. What-they do not like is the manner in which the door has been opened for their benefit. They hold the opinion that there is a risk of the liberty given being abused by unscrupulous employers. Mu. Massey's explanation of the procedure to be followed in all cases would seem ta minimise that risk to | an extent which makes the danger infinitesimal. It is not the employer who is to have the opportunity of fixing the wage to be paid. The wago and everything else pertaining to the employment of a returned soldier taking advantage of the Order-in-Couucil will be fixed by tho Inspector of Factories after consultation with the employer, and the returned soldier and the particular union concerned. This seems reasonable enough. The union is placed in a . position to offer objection, should it think that the circumstances warrant such action, in any case that may come under its notice, and its representations would no doubt receive due consideration. The fact should not be lost sight of that a substantial proportion of the men likely to benefit Under the. arrangement are themselves trades unionists, and arc specially deserving of. tho sympathy and assistance of" their, fellow workmen, whose battles, as well as those of the public generally, they have been fighting overseas. Ere the interview closed the deputation informed Mr. Massey that it would prepare a scheme to meeb all that was required, and render unnecessary the Order-in-Council, which appeared to be the chief ground of objection. No doubt any reasonable proposals will receive proper consideration from the Government. The main thing is to provide in every possible way for the needs of the returned soldiers, and this is a task in which al" should be glad to lend their assistance in a broad and generous spirit.