Laws Affecting Builders.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 7890, 4 August 1905, Page 2

Laws Affecting Builders.

Amendments Proposed. (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Aug, 3. ' Mr W, Jaqnes, President of' the 'Federal Council of -the New. Zbaland iiuildcrs, and other members oi the Executive, introduced by Mr T. H. jJavcy, M.H.R., waited on the Premier to-day, 'and submilited certain resolutions that had -been passed regarding necessary amendments m the Machinery, Act, (he Workmen's Lien Act, and -the .Imitislrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act. lu regard to the Lien Act they asked that provision be made whereby an owner shall -give notice to a contractor of his intention to deal in any way with ihc land upon which buildings are being erected, or have been, erected, for which a contractor's claim is. not satisfied. The- deputation further asked tiiat in clause id the Arbitration Act that the words "engaged m an industry" be struck out, and thewords "included in the award without citation" be inserted. In regardto Government contracts, they askeit that bondsmen be dispensed with and cash deposits be substituted, as follows :—Five per cent, up to £StWO, 2i per cent, up to £ls,ul)u, aud U per cent, over atlS.OOi). The Premier, in reply, informed the deputation that be would consult the Minister lor Public Works in regard to the matters connected witli nis Department, He would no doubl get the advice of his experts, ana theGovernment would then decide how. far they could go in meeting the viuws-of the deputation. In regards to the question of bondsmen in connection with contracts, Mr Scddou said the Government bad no desire to. hamper contractors, As to amending the Arbitration Act, he mentioned that a-bill with that object in view would be brought down this session.. He would consider anv amendments. Ihc builders had to propose, and it possible give, effect to'them. The desire of the Government was to pep. fret the Act, and at the present, tone it was defective in regard ',« the poinis made by the deputation. ' ; 'itAifeitNiUii