LABOR LEGISLATION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1524, 4 August 1905, Page 2

LABOR LEGISLATION.

DEPUTATION. TO THE PBEMIEB

'(Per Press Association.) ... Wellington, last nighi

Mr Jaques, president of . the Federal Council of New Zealand Builders, and other members of the executive, introduced by Mr Aavey, M.H.8., waited on the Premier to-day. The deputation submitted certain resolutions that had been passed regarding necessary amendments in the Machinery Act, tho Workmen’s Lien Act, and the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act. In regard to the Lien Act, they asked that provision bo made whereby an owner shall give notice to a contractor of-his intention to deal in any way with the land upon which buildings are being erooted, or have been erected, and for which a contractor’s claim is not satisfied. The deputation further asked that in clause 2 of the Arbitration Act thß words “ engaged in an industry ” be struck out, and the wordß 41 inoluded in the award witnout citation’”‘be inserted. In regard to Government contracts, they asked that bondsmen be dispensed with and cash deposits be substituted, as follows : —Five per cent np to £SOOO, 2£ per cent up to £15,000, and I£ per cenfc over £15,000, The Premier, in reply, informed tho deputation that he would consult the Minister for Publio Works in regard to tho matters connected with his Department. Ha would no doubt get the advioe of his experts, and the Government would tbeu decide how far they could go in meeting the vieWß of tho deputation. In rpgard*to tho question of bondsmen in connection with contracts, Mr Seddon said the Government had no desire to hamper contractors, As to amending the Arbitration Act, ha mentioned that a Bill with that object in view would be brought down this session. He would consider any amendments the builders had to propose, and if possible give effect to them. The desire of the Government was to perfeot tho Act, and as the present time it was defective in regard to the points made by the deputation.