MARITIME COUNCIL.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 473, 21 May 1890, Page 5

MARITIME COUNCIL.

[Wellington, May 16. The members of the Maritime Council waited on the Premier yesterday with reference to the amendments of several statutes relating to labour. They suggested that the period of notice of action under the Employees’ Liability Act be increased to three months, and that the limit of time with which the action shall be commenced be fixed uniformly at twelve months. The deputation also urged that seamen should be clearly brought within the scope of the Act. The Premier expressed himself in favour with the suggestions, especially tho last one. At present only three years’ wages are allowed as compensation for a workman being killed, but the deputation asked that the questions of settling the amount of compensation shall be left to the jurisdiction of the Courc. The deputation thought the Seamen’s Act should be amended so that any sailor put ashore on account of illnees shall be entitled to pay for the full period of discharge, providing recovery does not exceed three months. They also suggested that seamen shall be allowed to elect a special representative for Parliament, and that special facilities bo given them for recording votes in connection with this matter. The Premier pointed out the difficulty of giving representation to any particular body. He also expressed himself in favour of the Eight Hours Bill, provided it did not interfere with necessary work, in which longer hours were essential. Mr Ansell remarked on the “truck” system, which he said was very prevalent on the West Coast, and the Premier promised to assist a Bill dealing with the question, and probably bring it in. At the meeting yesterday an application from tho Cooks' and Stewards’ Unions .to federate was referred back to them with certain suggestions. It was decided that the next meeting be held in Auckland in six months’ time. A draft of the constitution under which it is proposed that tho wharf labourers of the whole of Australasia shall federate was discussed.

With regard to the misunderstanding which has arisen between the Union S.S. Company and the Wharf Labourers’ Union at Westport, it was decided to send a practical man to inv6sti<rate and report. It was decided to send a deputation to wait on Whitcombe and Tombs, Christchurch, with reference to the trouble at their establishment after conferring with the Trades and Labour Council at Christchurch.