THE RECENT STRIKE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXI, Issue 8747, 22 February 1907, Page 2

THE RECENT STRIKE.

Arbitration Court Proceedings. Por Press Association ■Wellington, February 22. At a silting of the Arbitration Court this morning proceedings were commenced against the slaughtermen who went out on strike at the Gear Co.’s and Meat Export Co.’s works. Mr Skerrett. who appeared for the men. raised a preliminary objection, claiming that tho court had no jurisdiction, that it was asked to impose a fine under Section 15 when the application was to enforce an agreement and ‘his it could not do. After argument the Court held that Lbe pi’e.soat application might bo treated is an application for a penalty under -.lection 16. ■ Defendant* understood he charge which they had to meet and f it was established tho only question

I .would be the amount of the penalty. Mr Gully applied to appear on bo- > half of ihe Meat'Export Co., but as the reccedings wore not for the enforcel meat of the award ho could not do so. | Mr Gray then opened the case oh j behalf of the Labour Department. It | was the first of the kind in the colony and was of the greatest importance. He recounted the circumstances of the recent trouble, submitting that though tho word might be objected to there was no doubt that from a common-sense view there had been a strike and the action of the men had resulted in great loss and inconvenience. If the offence was proved ho should ask the Court to | impose a penalty which would make it patent to all that the law must be ob- ! served. The case is proceeding. Wellington, February 23. In tho course of an interview by a Post reporter, Dr. Findlay, AttorneyGeneral, makes a strong defence for ' the Arbitration Act, and asks what j could bo substituted for it if it were ’ repealer]. Ho urges the workers to | seriously consider before setting it j aside, and urges that all should unite to.endeavour to improve it- Though it j is not perfection it is infinitely pro- r fsrable to strikes. The question of the « cost of living might well be considered a ia administering "the Acti g ■ .t