ARBITRATION ACT

Hokitika Guardian, 16 July 1928, Page 4

ARBITRATION ACT

WELLINGTON, July 13.

Almost equal to tbe licensing controversy was tbe Parliamentary struggle last session over tbe attempt t ■ amend the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act. The original Bill in traduced by the Minister of Labour was condemned by employers’ and employees’ organisations with remark able unanimity, and the Labour Bills Committee' drastically cut out many sections. Then the House itself took such strong objections to what remained that the Minister of Labour threw over his original twenty-six clause measure and brought in a new Bill having only one operative clause. It contained recognition of the fact that legislation as demanded by a group of farming supporters of the Government could not he passed without further consideration. The discussions led to tho National Industrial Conference, which it wa.s hoped would find a smooth path through the difficulties, therclore tlm actual amendment of the Arbitration Act which was passed at the last moment was of a stop-gap nature. It provided that no award relating to tho farming industry or to the mauuineture of butter, cheese or other mills products should ha made before September 1, 1923, m’canwhil.o any existing awards in this sphere were to he maintained, but not amended or extended, As was explained -by Ministers, this would enable tho Industrial Conference fully to consider the .position and report to Parliament in ample time to effect amendments fo the Arbitration Act this session. ,

Tho conference failed to achieve unanimous agreement on the- vital point of compulsion, in arbitration, tliougli in some other respects it clarified tbe issues and provided the general public with well-considered statements of varying viewpoints. POSTPONING A DIFFICULTY.

The stop-gap Act runs out on September 1, therefore something must he done by Parliament before it fates the electors, 'me situation is now being actively canvassed, and there has arisen an influential movement to postpono action l'*rthcr. The sugges tion is that from a party standpoint ‘it is highly desirable to keep such contentious issues in the background on the eve of an appeal to the electors. This argument is being put to Government members, ns being the most ioceptive element under the circumstances. The Government group, in which Mr Eliott, member for Oroun, is the most active figure, is, however, beginning to become concerned over any suggestion of delay. They contend that primary production is loaded with high costs directly and indirectly through the restrictive, conditions imposed on industries, and that the- situation must he faced if fanners are to be established in a sound economic position. Conferences nave taken plate of the interests closely concerned in Labour legislation, and it is likely tliey will reach the point within a lew days of approaching the Prime Minister with suggestions. Mr Coates is taking charge oi the legislative situation. As far as can he learned lie has not submitted draft proposals to his colleagues, as he is desirous of giving an opportunity for consideration of suggestions from outside, so long r.s these can be presented without undue delay.