The Wairarapa Daily. MONDAY, AUGUST 4, 1890.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3578, 4 August 1890, Page 2

The Wairarapa Daily. MONDAY, AUGUST 4, 1890.

Last year" a Sweating Commission' at much trouble and expense investigated the conditions under whioh labor is treated in New Zealand, and like Cannings' "knifegrinder" found it had no - story to tell. The labor ogre which instigated the inquiry was not satisfied with the result of the Commission, so the Government sea "sop to Cerberus" undertook to bring 111 certain labor bills, It has not been demonstrated that, these bills are required, the evidence which was gathered on the question pointing to the conclusion (hat they were unnecessary, but the ogre demands legislation, aud tho bills are now before the House. It is asserted by the Government that the bills are framed in the interests of employars and employees, hut the Wellington deputation which waited on the Government on Friday last proved conclusively that they were not required in the interests gt the former.' The fast is that the labor bills mean panic legislation. The lab,or' .ogre has frightened the House , and alarmed Ministers, aud the- legislature is perhaps only too eager' to show willingness to meet all demands that are made upon it from uuoh a quarter. The Government has undertaken a grave responsibility in bringing in labor bills. It virtually affirms its intention to arrange the business rotations between masters and men, and should the result prove unsatisfactory, iji wjlj be open to grave censure. If Ministers are ijf earnest in their desire to protect the interests of both employers and employees by legislation why do tliey not put down boycottiug ? At present employers- of labor throughout.the colony .are Buffering from boycotting operations, and .the prodjietipi) gi)d trade of New IMandisimpajreiTby a practice which is not consonant with either law or. justice- The boycott has even directed against the State railways, and had not the Commissioners, with 110 doubt the approval of the Government, said to the labor party " We will give yoij .all m want but please don't boycott us/' there would have been a big trouble. In the fape of facts like these can the Ministry or can the House honestly legislate between employers and employees. Is not the assertion that the interests of employers aro to be considered a pretence? .TJip Jjjfeor legislation of this' session 1 is pure !.' fun|/' pi the employers in Wellington only wast,e their time in waiting upon Ministers. What tliey should do is to organise

|hemßelves into a defence-leagup,- a,nd promote'! similar .organisations /in otlior. cciilUGs of population.' I'hey would then.bb able to meet the labor ogi's on equal terms, and look boyboycotting :in the face,' which they dare not do now. Then, too, the Government might gather a little courage, and prove equal to its task of ruling,. At present, paralysed with fear; it simply pbeys tlic behests of> the lab'qr ogre. ■ '