LABOR LEGISLATION.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 21 September 1901, Page 2

LABOR LEGISLATION.

Theke appears to be a likelihood of “ a rest ” in labor legislation for some time to come, for something in the nature of a pronouncement of the intentions of the Government in regard to Labour legislation was made by the Premier last week. Referring, presumably, to the Factories Bill, he said he would ask Parliament to fix the maximum hours for women and children at fdrty-five a week, but he had come to the conclusion that by fixing the hours of work for men at forty-five hours, they would be going too far, and he would propose to fix them at forty-eight hours. If there was to be any alteration on that it must be made by the Arbitration Court, or by arrangements between employers and employed. But, he added, they must fix a maximum of forty-eight hours. He also showed a due sense of proportion in refusing to advocate an increase, in the number of statutory holidays. As has often been said the Premier is, generally speaking, a correct barometer of public opinion, and his latest views may be taken to indicate that the country is not anxious for any more experiments in restraint of trade just at present. Several such statutes have already become law, and a breathing space for adjustmenf to the new conditions is urgently needed. It would be dangerous (says the Post) to keep the conditions of commerce and industry in a perpetual state of change. After the Premier’s plea for moderation, the annual sessions of Parliament will be regarded with greater equanimity and the conditions of employment will assume something like finality.