ARBITRATION COURT

Hokitika Guardian, 19 September 1925, Page 3

ARBITRATION COURT

[by TELEGRAPH—PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON, September 19. The Arbitration Court in its finding ou the new basic wage says:—So far as we are able to judge, there does not appear to lie any reason at present to fear anything in the nature of a depression; at all events, so long as overimportation is avoided. The prices received for wool, though there has been a drop, are satisfactory; butter is still at a high level, which appears likely to be maintained for some time to come, and meat is bringing higher prices than it did a year ago. The manufacturing industries, with three notable exceptions, tlie woollen, iron and leather trades, are in a satisfactory position and the retail trade generally is sound. Il is to lie clearly understood the adoption of these rates does not mean that a general increase of one penny per hour will he granted in all awards. In main eases the awards and iiidus trial agreements now ill lone provide for all. or part of these increased rates. Tlie cost of loving legislation, by which, the Court was empowered to make general orders, increasing or reducing the minimum rates of wages, has expired and accordingly the new rates will come into operations only as new awards and industrial agreements are made. In any event this pronoun cement could not he brought into operation by means of a general order for the nature of a general increase ol wages, but is rather an adjustment, or a levelling up of rates, wherein a case to which this decision applies. The employeis and workers hound by tin award are able to agree on a now agreement. The current award and new rales can he brought into operation for the remainder of (lie term, of the award and the court is empowered to amend the award accordingly and will do so Oil application. At the same time the term of the award can, if the parties desire, be extended, provided the total term does not exceed three years from the date on which the award came into force.