35

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Clause 5, subsection (h): Council approves of the insertion of the words " except pursuant to a clearance-card duly issued in accordance with the rules," but suggests that the subsection be further amended by the insertion in the forty-sixth line, after the word "fees," of the words "fines, levies"; also that a similar amendtoient be made, after the word "fees," in clause 15 (first line). Clause 5 ; Council approves of the raising of the number of members to ten to constitute a union of workers. Clause 11: Council suggests the insertion of the words " same industrial district "in lieu of the words " same locality " ; and that subsection (1) be amended to read as follows: " That the Eegistrar shall refuse to register a society in the same industrial district and connected with the same industry where there exists an industrial union to which the members of such society might conveniently belong " ; and that subsection (2) of the proviso be struck out. Clause 14: Council suggests the amendment of subsection (1) by the insertion of the words, after "any," in the second line-~-viz., "locality in its own." The subsection would then read: " An industrial union may also have a branch office in any locality in its own industrial district," &c> Clause 16 : That this clause be amended by striking out the words " not exceeding one acre " in the thirty-seventh line. Council is strongly opposed to the intention of subsection (2) of clause 12, as in its opinion it would debar unions from investing their funds in co-operative undertakings. Clause 17 : Council approves of subsection (6) of this clause, and suggests that a new subclause be inserted to the effect that the Eegistrar have authority to cancel the registration of any society that for a period of two half-years fails to supply its returns. Clause 21 : Council is strongly opposed to this clause, and suggests that clause 12 of the 1894 Act might be inserted with advantage in its place. Clause 25 : Council suggets that this clause be amended by inserting after the word " agreement " a provision that any employer or firm of employers starting in business shall be bound by the provisions of such agreement. Council suggests that section 29 of the 1894 Act be inserted, and chat a penalty not exceeding £100 be provided for a breach thereof; also that section 27 of the same Act be inserted. Clause 34 : Council suggests that this clause be amended by the striking-out of the words " or branch office, as the case may be." Clause 52, subsection (9) : Council suggests that the word " two " in the thirty-second line be struck out, and that the word " three " be inserted in lieu thereof; also that a similar amendment be made in clause 85, subsection (d), and in clause 86, subsection (2). Clause 86, subsection (3) : Council suggests that the following proviso be added: " That this subsection shall not apply to any industrial union, industrial association, or employer bound by an industrial agreement or award." With these amendments the Bill meets with the hearty approval of the council. Wellington, 11th July, 1900.

From the New Zealand Fedeeated Boot Teadb Industbial Association of Workmen. Executive brings under notice the fact that in the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Bill there is no provision for the continuance of an award pending the entering into of another. The Executive trusts the Labour Bills Committee will see its way to the insertion of a clause to give effect to what is required.

From the Geeymouth Wharf Laboueees' Industrial Union of Woekees. The union strongly objects to clause 113 of the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Bill of 1900. We deem it necessary that the Government railways should ■ come under the Conciliation and Arbitration Acts the same as any other employers of labour, otherwise the Bill in some cases would be detrimental to our union, as there are plenty of our members working on the wharf as casual labourers to the railways.

From the Fedebated Seamen's Union of New Zealand. It is suggested that clause 21 be amended to read as follows : " Any council or other body, however designated, consisting of not less than three industrial unions of the one industry of employers or workers, representing not less than three industrial districts, may be registered as an industrial association of employers or workers under this Act." That the following addition be made to clause 75 : "In the case of a dispute affecting a registered industrial association under this Act the Court shall have power, if sufficient evidence is adduced'in support of the same, to make an award applicable to the whole of the industrial districts in the colony."

From the Wellington Geocees' Association. Section 3, subsection (3) : Always provided that no one shall be admitted a member of any union of workers if unable to produce satisfactory discharges from last and former employers. Also provided that each industrial union must guarantee all its members to be bond fide tradesmen in the business or trade represented by that union. And provided that any worker proved to be dishonest be immediately expelled from the union to which he may belong. And also provided that the chairman, secretary, or other officers of one industrial union are strictly debarred from holding office in any other industrial union.