BROKEN HILL DISPUTE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9393, 13 March 1909, Page 5

BROKEN HILL DISPUTE.

THE JUDGE’S AWARD.

United Press Association— By Blec- ;:. i '>c.-;/;-:;.trio= , Telegr»phr-:Oopyrigii6. Melbourne, March 12. .. Judge Higgins was occupied *wo hoars in delivering the Arbitration award in the Broken Hill dispute. ■Great interest was manifested and *he Court was crowded. Basing the award on the deduction that the cost of\living was '£2 4s 5d on the Barrier and £2 2s 6>£d at Port Pirie, Judge Higgins fixed the minimum wage for, unskilled labour at-the Barrier at ■€s and at Port Pirie at 8s 3(1, and the wages of miners at both places at 10s per day for a 48 hours’ week. The award, which lasts till 1910; leaves the contract system, at present in operation, untouched. The award upholds the claims for ’ increased wages but makes no order as to mining companies continuing in operation. Judge .Higgins said he fully reopgnised the terrible nature 'of the catastrophe that would be caused if the Proprietary Com* pany stopped working. He recognised to the full his responsibility in the matter, bnt, according to the general manager, the Company had not, more than two years and a half of;full work before it. If a catastrophe did not happen to-day it was* bound to happen very soon. Business men and miners at the Barrier express satisfaction at the award, hut there-is some fear among the men that the big mine will not resume operations. Received March 13, 10.25 a.m. Sydney, March 13. The Sydney Morning Herald thinks that having a regard for the strenuous nature of the work at Broken Hill, few people will he inclined to cavil at the ( award. The point of the difficulty, however, is whether it is a basis of remuneration which the Company can accept aud continue work without loss. Judge Higgins in the award stated he strongly held the view that unless the circumstances were very exceptional the needy employer should under, the award pay at the same rate as his rich rival, otherwise it would he impossible to prevent sweating, the growth of parasitic enteritises or the spread of industrial unrest. The Proprietary Company will consider the award next week.