The Maritime Council.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3512, 16 May 1890, Page 2

The Maritime Council.

■'i;■;•/:. ;-' Wellington, Friday. •■; The members of the Maritime Council waited on .the Premier thin ' morning, with referenco' to the amendment of several statutes relatj ing to labor. They suggested that the period of notice of action under the Employees Liability Act , be increased to .three month's, and that the' limit of time with whioh aotion might be commenced be fixed uniformly at twelve months. The deputation also urged the. seamen to be clearly brought ivithin the scope of the Act. The Premier.expressed himself in favor with the suggestion, especially the last one, At present only three years wages are allowed -as■.'compensation for workmen killed, but the deputation asked that the question of settling tho amount of compensation be left to tliejurisdiotion of the Court. The deputation thought the Seamen's Act should ho amended, so that any sailor put ashore on account of illness would be entitled to pay for the full period of disohargp, providing the recovery did not exceed throe months. It was also suggested that seamen be allowed to dec t a special represeutative Palianient. and that special facilities be given to them for recording their votes. Iu connection with this.matt'er, the Premier pointed out thej difficulty of giving a representative to any particular body. He expressed himself. in favor of an Eight Hours Bill, provided it did not interfere with neccessary work in which longer hours were essential. Mr Ansell remarked on tho "truck" system, which ho was yery. prevalent on. the West Coast. The Premier promise to assist the passing of a Bill dealing with this question, and would probably bring it in.