EMPLOYERS DIVIDED

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 196, 8 November 1927, Page 1

EMPLOYERS DIVIDED

ARBITRATION AMENDMENT

PRESIDENT CRITICISED (THE SUN'S Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, Monday. “Do not give way!’* This is the message which the Minister of Labour, the Hon. G. J. Anderson, has received from the president of the Employers’ Association of South Canterbury, in respect to the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Amendment Bill, which is creating a heated controversy before a select committee of the House of Representatives at the present time. It transpires that there is at least one association in the Dominion that does not agree with the statement of Mr. T. O. Bishop before the Labour Bills Committee last week. -South Canterbury did not support the New Zealand Federation respecting retention ol’ present constitution,” Mr. C. W. Wood, president of the South Canterbury Association, telegraphs to the Minister. ‘Strongly opposed inclusion of farmers, pastoralists, etc., in Arbitration Act. We still strongly* support Government’s amending proposals.” The Minister replied to this, promising representation. Later Mr. Wood telegraphed to Mr. Anderson in the following strain: “Astounded to learn Bishop’s statement that all associations support federation’s attitude. Otago did not vote at meeting, South Canterbury strongly protests and asks it to be recorded. Personally I believe meeting was prearranged and speakers provided to try influence against Bill. Do not give way! ” The Minister’s reply to this was characteristic: "Thanks for your wire and interesting information,” he said. "I wish I had been in possession of this when federation representative was giving evidence before committee. ’ ,