JOTTINGS FROM THE LOBBY

Hokitika Guardian, 20 October 1920, Page 4

JOTTINGS FROM THE LOBBY

(Qur Parliamentary Correspondent.) LETTING OFF SHIRKERS. “Cabinpt has decided that there rhall be no more prosecution pf cpgsci mtipuS objectors or defaulters,” said Die Prime Mobster in the, House, ‘T don’t know that we have any conscientious objectors in prison now. I think there are a few defaulters in prison. This decision will operate from the miiiivorsHiy of Armistice Day, little less than 2 months from now.” I want to make it perfectly clear that what is intended by Cabinet will not affect defaulters who have not done theif duty during the war period and consequently have been deprived of a period of civil and political rights. I lie decision will not interfere with ‘‘hem in the slightest. Mp Witty (Ri.ccarton): Does it mean that those shirkers who have not yet been caught will not be bothered about. Mr Massey—Yes. We understand a i number of men are still in hiding. I don’t know where. WORKER S COMPENSATION. Thp Workers Compensation Amendment Bill which increases the maximum compensation from £SOO to £750 and makes other amendments, was put through the Committee and passed tonight. The debate had several points of interest. Mr Wilford (Leader of the Opposition, and other members protested against injured workers being allowed oply half wages during his period of incapacity. This meant that the average worker, with, his family had something like £2 a week to live on when suffering from the results of an industrial accident, Mr Wilford suggested that two thirds of the normal wages should he allowed and an amendment to this effect was moved by Mr Poland and rejected. The present law allows workers £1 for medical expenses. Th c Bill as introduced proposed to increase this to a maximum of £2O. The Labour Bills Committee had cut out £2O and substituted an extra five per cent of wages in addition to th e fifty per cent of wages allow the injured worker. Members protested that this might to be made a ,Stale monpoly. Some hundreds of thousands of pounds are paid each year by New Zealand employers for the insurance of workers and not more than half of the money reaches the injured workers, Th e other half covers tlie expenses and profits of insurance companies. Members suggested that if accident insurance were made a, State monopoly as has been done in some other countries, the workers could get greatly increased benefits without any extra charges upon industry.

The Minoster for Labour indicated in Iris reply, that the Bill was not to the regarded as settlement of reform. He admitted that Labour Legislation was neglected during the war period. He hoped to bring forward Factories Bill and Shops and Offices Bill before the session ended. He did not think it was in the interests of workers to overload the compensation system which must have limits in order that insurance might be arranged. No Company would accept an unlimited risk.