Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 1901. LABOR LEGISLATION.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 22 August 1901, Page 2

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 1901. LABOR LEGISLATION.

If a further sign is wanting to indicate that the Premier is not going to allow the self-elected Labor Leaders to drive him whithersoever they deem fit, it will be found in the following message sent us to-day by our Parliamentary Reporter. The item is as follows : “ The Premier yesterday informed Mr Arnold that there were already sufficient provisions in the Factories’ Act to prevent sweating in the tailoring trade. What was necessary was a strict application of the provisions, not fresh legislation. (Hear ! hoar !)” The reply indicates that Mr. Seddon has come to the conclusion that we have had quite enough legislation for some time to come; that it is well to leave well alone; that rest for a time is necessary, while the “ hear I hear I" from members of the House is ample assurance that they are prepared to support Mr. Seddon’s views on this subject. The country as a whole will draw a sigh of relief. It has been patent for some time past that further encroachment on individual rights will not only thoroughly .disorganise trade, but will injure the toilers themselves and cause a large number, to be thrown out of employment. Of this fact wo find further confirmation in the protest lodged by the boot manufacturers of Auckland. In our telegraph columns it will bo seen that they clearly put it that the passing of the Factories’ Act means curtailment of employment, and in some cases closing down and removal of factories to other colonies. It is well to bo moderate in time.