Arbitration Bill.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 January 1922, Page 1

Arbitration Bill.

STRONG LABOUR OBJECTIONS

[by TF.r.EoiiAra—phi phess associ vtion

WELLINGTON, Jan 26. A deputation from workers' organisations waited n.n Hon Mr Anderson, Minister of Labour to-day to protest against the proposed amendment of the Arbitration Act. Strong objections

were taken to (hem, and it was claimed they were all in favour of tile employers

and that tlm workers had not asked for nuv of the amendments.

One member said they were going to oppose the Bill tooth and nail, regardless of whether it became lew or nut. Tt was now a question of whether the workers organisations were !o he killed outright, or the Government was to he killed off. The Minister said the Dill was to lie

considered by committee to-morrow. Ih 1 said, that having heard their evidence. lie could compliment them on the way they haul put their ease. He was not prepared to sav what lie would do now. but lie would take into very careful consideration what they had said, more especially with reference to assessors, local bodies, and Clause 11. He did not think the penalty clan.se would operate in the wry they said. He was legally advised that it would not, and he won,ld not think of making such, an absurd provision. Tie would also look into the question of court representation, but he could hold out very little hope of an alteration with regard to the A.S.R.S. though ho would consult the Minister of Railways on the point.