ARBITRATION ACT AMENDMENT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2185, 14 September 1907, Page 2

ARBITRATION ACT AMENDMENT.

HOW IT WFFECTS THE FARMER. I.A:\U LEGISLATION. Tlu> Colonial Executive of Uio Farmers* Union, writing to the I’.U. Executive, designated the amondmonf to tho Conciliation and Arbitration Ant, and the Land Laws Amendment Bill as tlio two measures before Parliament of most interest to tlio Union. From reliable information the Advisory Board of tlio Union felt sure, that now tlio Conciliation and Arbitration Bill was boforo tlio House, tlio Government would not agree oitlior (I) to exempt agricultural laborers, or provido (2) that at least ouo half of the laborers of an industrial district must belong to a Union, before they can cite the farmers. It was competent for the Farmers’ Union to make arrangements to have an amendment proposed when tlio Bill came boforo the House if desired. Tlio Bill was now before tlio Labor Bills Committee, which had been notified that some members of tlio Union might desire to give evidence, from an agricultural point of view, boforo the committee. Tim Wellington Province was asking Mr. Cooper to givo evidence, in order to show that tlio Wellington province contains a groat variety of agricultural work quite different in conditions and occupation, that tho various parts of the Provinco had great climatic difference, etc. It was hoped that tho Poverty Bay Union would also tender evidonco if it saw fit.

“With regard to tho Land Laws Amendment Bill,” it was ad wo may take it that as far as tho tenure is concerned, the Government will not agree to any alteration. But we are in hopes that when an amendment is moved in tho House —so that tho tenant will have the right of purchase at an actuarial value—it will not bo made a party question.” lit was felt essential that some Union members specially interested in tho land question should bo in AVellington during the passage of the Bill through Committee, also that others should ho on tho spot 'during tho passage of tho Conciliation and Arbitration Bill through Committee. Notwithstanding tho manifesto issued by the Parliamentary. Committee of tho Trades and Labor Council, the Farmers’ Union was assured that the amending Arbitration Bill was to he proceeded with. Tho other portion of last year’s Land Bill, it was added, was now in the form of (1) National Endowment Bill, which had been read a first time only, and (2) Tho Land and Income Assessment Bill, which was now being considered by the Public Accounts Committee. These would be watched closely and tho Colonial Executive hoped that the P.B. Union would wire its opinion as to tho course that should be taken when these two lattor Bills came before tho House.

Tho foregoing letter and two later telegrams wore read at yesterday’s meeting of tho P.B. Executive. Afr. Clayton thought the Advisory Board in Wellington would bo able to judge best in the matter. Tlio President (Afr. YVatson) said that representatives sent to Wellington might be unduly delayed. There was no 'knowing when tho Bill would come on again.

No member proffering to go to AVellington, tho President said they had better reply that this Executive had every confidence in the Advisory Board.—Agreed to.