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Hokitika Guardian, 5 October 1927, Page 2

I'iik status of the Arbitration Court is being questioned on many sides, and its procedure in particular is being reviewed very critically. In many quarters there is the suggestion the Court has outlived its usefulness, hut it would he fairer to believe that useful. ns it has been, it could be mado more useful in the future by a careful , overhaul of its powers, and a revision of the .applied system. The Goveru- , meat is disposed to follow that course, i and much advice has been tendered as ; to what might be done. In the course of a critical survey of the Court and its powers and methods, one critic goes on to say that the Arbitration Court t« the most important of all Courts, since its decisions affect the whole population. Its work is more intricate and difficult than that of the Supreme Cburt, 1 because the latter has merely to interpret the laws and has innumerable decisions and established precedents to guide it, whereas the Arbitration Court has no such help. Because everyone has been doing well for years past this fact has escaped all save the thoughtful few, but now that difficult adjustments in industry are being forced upon both employers and workers the importance of tlie Court will bo more generally realised, and the Government should have no difficulty in passing legislation which will permit of the strengthening of the Court by the appointment of two additional Judges in I place of the present assessors. If this were done the quality of the Court’s awards would certainly be improved, and another desirable result of the change would go to the Court for decision. The improvement in the quality of awards would result from the deliberation of the three unbiased men upon the evidence presented in all eases, and fewer -references to the Court would follow the recognition by the Unions of the fact that cases are being decided upon evidence and that unsupported claims for alterations were useless in the absence of the special advocate assessor. There is another feature in the arbitration system that award's of the Court are enforceable upon employers much more than upon workers. Naturally this is so because it is easier to punish a few offenders than to punish many; it is none the less unsatisfactory. It has been shown how the Arbitration Act has fostered the growth of the trade unions by giving them legal rights and preference of employment to their members; these rights and privileges should entail responsibilities as an essential condition of their continuance and any union failing to discharge its responsibilities should be dispossessed of its privileges. The two points here referred to touch upon essentials of the •greatest importance. A Court of three detached Judges would be more Impartial in the long run than as at present, with two assessors who repre.se?rt directly the parties concerned in any dispute. The stability of the Court would he strengthened greatly by such an amendment, and that after all, is the thing most desired. Regarding the enforcements of awards, something is necessary so that the Court will h- -

power to circumvent strikes. The decision of the Court founded on equitable conditions should be paramount and respected the same as the judgment of anv civil court. If that ideal could be attained what a wonderful advancement in real and material progress governing industrial occupations would he Reached.

No washing or ironing with the Victoria Damask now opened in and 1} yards wide at Addison’s.—Advt. The Hokitika Fire Brigade desire to acknowledge with thanks the sum of £2 10s from Mr J. J. Mclntosh, Red Lion Hotel.

There was a fair attendance at St. Mary’s Euchre last evening when the following were the prize winners: Ist. Mr A .Sumner; 2nd. Mr J. Schroder; 3rd. Mr J. Feeney; 4tli. Mrs Bennett. Supper was served before the gathering dispersed.

Tenders are invited in this issue for the removal and reconstruction of a dwelling from Arahura to Humphreys. Plans and conditions may he obtained from W. J. Harris, Humphreys or at “Guardian” Office where tenders close on Octolwr 12th.

The annual fair at St. Andrew’s Hall in aid of the funds of the Presbyterian Church was opened this afternoon by the Mayor, there being a good attendance present. The fair will be brought to a conclusion this evening, re-opening at 7 o’clock, when a musical programme and competitions will enliven the proceedings.

The long-looked-for event, the hall in the Woodstock Hall will take place this evening. A crowded attendance is expected and if the weather proves favourable the hopes of the organisers will not be disappointed. Most thorough arrangements have been made so come along and enjoy yourself at one of the best dances ever held in Woodstock.

Infectious and other notifiable diseases reported in the Canterbury and West Coast Health District during the week ended noon yesterday totalled 33, as follows: Canterbury, scarlet fever. ll ; tuberculosis, 17; pneumonia, 1; erysipelas ,1. West Const: Diphtheria, 2; pneumonic influenza, 1. There was one death from tuberculosis in the Canterbury district.

The Returned Soldiers’ Euchre Tournament will be continued in the Soldiers’ Hall next Friday when there will be 8 prizes for competition : Ist. prize, travelling rug and suit case; 2nd. pair double bed white sheets; 3rd. r doz. bath towels; 4th. copper bowl; sth. i doz. pillow slips; Oth. i doz. tea towels; 7th. white damask table doth; Bth. box fancy soap. Play will commerce at 8 o’clock sharp. Supper. Admission 2s.—Advt.

The marriage was solemnised at Holy 'trinity Church, Greymouth, yesterday morning of Air Joseph Wafer, Barrytown, and Airs Jsal>cl Amerv, Rnnnnga. Archdeacon Carr was the officiating clergyman. The bride, who was attended by Airs W. Hall, as mation of honour, wore a frock of pale blue georgette. The matron of honour wore a frock of pale pink silk. Mr W. Hall was best man. Air and Airs Wafer left later by the express for Christchurch, where the honeymoon will bo spent. The bride travelled in an ensemble suit of heather repp, with hat to match. Air and Airs AVafer intend residing in Runanga.

With reference to the proposed increase m duty on gold-dredging machinery, further representations are being made by the local bodies to Air Soddon AI.P. urging that dredging machinery and plant should be classed the same as other mining machinery, and that there should not be any differentiation between the two kinds of machinery which have the same object, to win gold. The local bodies at Kinnnra and Greymouth are also cooperating in the representations which tile Alomber fir Westland has been asked to convey to the Alinister of Customs and Parliament.

Air Fred Smith’s Marimba Band, of Christchurch, the pioneer orchestra to tour the Coast, has fixed its next tour which will take place at the New Year opening at Hokitika, visiting South Westland, and including a season at Greymouth. The instrumentalists will be: Air Fred Smith, pianist and director; Air W. J. Gopperth, violinist and leader; Air R. E. Bennett, first saxaplionc and clarionet; Air B. F. Bennett, second saxphone; Mr W. H. Bailey. trumpet; Air R. J. Letnabv, drummer and xylophonist. This is regarded as a very strong combination, and former friends will be glad to welcome the party back again in anticipation of the pleasurable time which will be afforded at the various assemblies at which the hand will play.

The Apprentices Act Amendment Bill introduced by the Minister of Labour (Hon G. J. Anderson) amends section 5 of the Act of 1923 by repealing the paragraph which gave the Arbitration Court power to make an order prescribing the proportion of the total number of apprentices to the total number of journeymen that may be employed in any industry or group of industries in any locality. The Bill also repeals a proviso in the principal Act that if the power to determine the number or proportion of apprentices to journeymen that may be employed by any employer is delegated by the court to any committee any order made by that committee shall Ik; subject to any order of the court. According to the terms of the Bill, notwithstanding the repeal of the first mentioned paragraph, the existing provisions of any court order fixing the proportion of apprentices shall, unless sooner cancelled or amended bv the court, continue in force till February Ist. 1928 and shall then exnire.

Cable advice from London states that after 20th. September, 1927 (in London) prices of sheetings and calicoes will have to be advanced. We advise people to buy sheetings now and recommend McKay’s, Hokitika, for best values.—Advt.

Take no risks with a cough or cold. Get “ Nazol ” the scientific, common sense remedy. Gives instant relief. Penetrating and soothing. 60 doses for Is Gd.—Advt.

A lady’s toilette is incomplete without good hosiery: We stock dependable lines only in all the wanted shades: Artificial silk “One Step” 3s 6d, “ New City ” 4s lid, Bond’s “Sylk Arto” 6s lid, Bonds’ Du-’O Sylks 8s lid. Satisfaction guaranteed.—Schroder and Co.—Advt.

Puny and irritable children are often afflicted with worms. The safest and most pleasant remedy is Wade’s Worm Figs. Aboslutely effective.—Advt.

New Fadeless Curtains in coloured, allover and striped patterns, just opened up at McKay’s. Prices Is lid, 2s 9d to os 6d yd. —Advt.

Sore throat, huskiness, instantly dispelled by “ Nazol.” Goes to the root of the trouble. Acts like a charm. Is 6d buys 60 doses, ready for use.—• Advt.