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Hokitika Guardian, 17 March 1932, Page 4

The Arbitration Amendment Bill is having a stonily passage. True to the threat, the Labour party is relentless in its opposition, a fact which will bring out all possible objection* to the measure. The Bill is being criticised with some effect also by members of the Government party, particularly those of strong Liberal leanings who aye not unmindful of the task the

Liberal Government had to place the first measure on the Statute book. It was considered at the time an advanced piece of socialism and was strongly opposed. The attitude of the Labour representatives now to save the Act, recalls the misuse made of the measure by organised Labour with the various strikes which occurred in times past. Notwithstanding the efficiency of the measure, Labour revolted against it and refused to be, bound by conditions which did not please the leaders. On the contrary, they accepted a great deal and the measure has been responsible for rebuilding up. the fortunes of the worKman and, industrialist in such a way that roseate conditions were brought to pass. The building up of wages went on in all walks of industry, till it is time to call a halt. The country has lived not wisely but too well, and having shared in the good times, it is now necessary by the conditions fronting the country, that we must all participate, with as good a grace as possible in these more stringent times. That there has to be sacrifice all round is indicated by the suggested curtailment of even meagre pensions and serious) retrenchment in education. When these avenues have to be combed to ease public expenditure it is surely indicative of the serious—if not desperate—state of affairs. It may be expected that the Government will give ear to the reasonable objections to the proposals in the Amending Bill before the House, but as part of a general policy the Government is bound to see the main features of the Bill Calculated to ease the industrial situation and help towards more employment, are passed. That was the will of the people at the late elections, and the mandate given affords the power to act definitely.