Labour Legislation.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume III, Issue 185, 6 August 1901, Page 1

Labour Legislation.

Donedin, Angust i. Mr J. Theomio, chairman of th'4 Chamber of Commerce, addressing the annual meet ng of the Chamber, fh referring to the Labour Legislation now before Parliament, said that it is vers questionable if public opinion is n6t k more efficient and lasting curative thaA Ugislation, which roay possib'y cieCaU far greater and more intolerable evil* than the abuses intended to be overcome Other measures would be welcomed by social reformers, tola's thoughtful mt n will ask, "Can legislation override the laws of supply and demand: and make fruitful the barren places of the earth ?" Concerning conciliation an& arbitration, he regretted being forced ti the conclusion that the colony will eventually softer, not from the Bill itsrelfl but from its unwise us», and tha alinoßfc incessant interference with working hours ard wages. He said there wat great similarity between the coodition ct affairs under the Act and the rules ©1 Donnybrook fair. An injured pat 4 could be plaeteied tip, and even get beiter, but the ill feeling and distrust engendered in the minds of men is not s<? easily : over«f>me. Antagonism once 1 started is difficult to check.