TOPICS OF THE DAY.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLIII, Issue XLIII, 27 January 1909, Page 2

TOPICS OF THE DAY.

Yesterday in a "Topic.-" it was explained that the'hegotiaend of the tions in connection huntly stbikb, with the Huntly mining trouble were enshrouded in mystery, but now the screen has been raieed and the lion •nd the lamb are lying down together. Mr B. M'Kenzie, Minister for Mines, triumphs as peacemaker. To effect a settlement between etr.bloy>r m.I employee, where much bHternese has been shown, is certainly a feather m the new Minister's "bonnet," and the news will be pleasing to the people of this province. Fru'm the terms of the settlement, which aro published in today's "Mail," it will be seen that sacrifices have had to be made on both sides The fiieu who refused to work with' the alleged "blacklegs" are now prepared to do so. With good reason this is commendable action on the part of the men. All officials of the company cease to be members of the union. It "is also provided that if tho officials in que-tion "act in an arbitrary or revengeful manner to the men in the mine, and if such be proved to the satisfaction of the director*, Such officials be dismissed. The compahy pays the men ten days' wages lhe men swallowed a bitter pill of their own manufacture, but Mr M Kenzie held the nose and the employers dropped some-thing sweet in the mouth to take tho taste away. "The proof of the pudding is in the eating," and the new Minister has early, had an opportunity to show how tho mixing was done. Cables to-dav bring news that the Miners' Federation acsalames cepts the Labour Parof ty's conditions and CCWUOKEIL3. joins the or S ani»tJ«ll. This- matter brings to mind a recent decision of the English Court of Appeal in a case which dealt with the right of Trado Unions to spend money subscribed by members in the ordinary way for political purposes. It is common khowledgo that Trado Unions in England make a demand on their members for paying for election dispenses and maintenance wheh im Parliament of their nominated candidates. The Court of Appeal's decision wns that this practice was illegal. The Cnnrt of Appeal, as stated fri papers to bond, contended thei the v.-holc» obiect at which the Trades L'nV-iis a'un»d by promoting Parliamentary candidatures and paying the wages of members of Parliament, was contrarv to public policy. Any contract which bound a member of Parliament to exercise his trust in any way other than as on each occasion he conscientiously felt to be best in tho public interest, it was explained, was illogal and void. Lord Justice Moulton pointed out that this principle was at the basis of the question and the power of voting for a representative in Parliament was also a trust towards the public. In effect, eo much mnncv is on id for each vote given. The controversial ifi"e of the payment, of members arises, and it appears, from thp rolcni?.l pr.ir.t cf vi-„>\v. th.it si system of members' salaries would that an increase in the salaries would be advantageous, especially in placing Labour members bevond the need of financial assistance'; but side issues, such as the encouragement of the "professional politician," arise, nnd tbo question can be decided only by those on the spot.