NOT PERFECT

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 174, 16 March 1932, Page 6

NOT PERFECT

("Post Snecial Commissioner.)

IMMEDIATE REVISION OF EXISTING AWARDS NECESSARY ' SYSTEM IN A RUT

WELLINGTON, Saturday. Speaking during the debate on the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Amendment Bill in the House of Representatives, Mr C. H. Clinkard (United, Rotorua) said that he had always defended the arbitration system, but he considered that the capacity of industry, as well as the cost of living, should be taken into consideration when awards were made. Much of the dissatisfaction with the Court was due to the rut into which the system had got. He thought that the Minister in Charge of the Bill was relying too much on the supposition that the parties in the different disputes would come to an agreement. The country would have to realise the plight of the farmer and make an equitable adjustment. He had a special objection to clause 2, which gave power by Order-in-Council to make exemptions, and he hoped that the Minister would reconsider it. If the Bill, which would be passed, was usedto kill the Arbitration Court, the sooner it was revised the better. Mr. W. Nash: "It can't help but kill arbitration." Mr. Clinkard: "I am not sure. I don't think it will to the extent the hon. member thinlcs." Apparently the Minister desired to make adjustments immediately. It had been said that it would take two years to revise existing awards, and that was too long a period. It was essential that they should get down to "tin tacks." He was not satisfied that the measure wa& perfect by any means, and unless it worked out satisfactorily it would have to be revised before long.