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LXXVI

REPORTS FROM CONCILIATION COMMISSIONERS.

AUCKLAND. Report op Conciliation Commissioner for the Northern and Taranaki Industrial Districts for the Year ending 31st March, 1912. Sir, — Commissioner's Office, Council of Conciliation, Auckland, 11th April, 1912. I have the honour to submit, for the Hon. the Minister's information, my report on 29 disputes dealt with in my district, which have been disposed of as follows: Fully settled, 17; partially settled, 7; referred to Court of Arbitration, 5 : total, 29. In regard to the Auckland country hotels and Auckland Cooks and Stewards, recorded as partially settled, the only point left for the Court to decide was that of preference, which is opposed by the employers in all,new awards and in awards where it has not previously existed. Four disputes were settled amicably without the aid of assessors, and the remaining 25 disputes were dealt with by Councils of Conciliation. I am glad to say that in nearly all the disputes coming before me during the past year an earnest desire has been shown by both employers and workers to settle their differences in a constitutional way by means of the Conciliation and Arbitration Act, which affords protection to employers and workers alike. The proceedings of the Councils have been invariably characterized by the utmost good feeling on the part of all concerned, and, although some of the cases have been of a somew-hat complicated nature, and the points raised strenuously contested by both sides, no unpleasant friction has arisen. The experience gained by me during the past three years will enable me to report later on in relation to certain weak points which, in my opinion, are detrimental to the smooth working of the Act. In conclusion, I desire to thank the officers of the Department of Labour for the cordial assistance rendered to me at all times. Disputes fully settled. Auckland Cooks and Stewards, Union Steam Auckland United Flour-mills, ship Company. Taranaki Tailoring Trade. Auckland Tinsmiths and Sheet - metal Taranaki Painters and Decorators. Workers. . Auckland Waterside Workers. Auckland Tailoresses. Auckland Gum-workers. Auckland Brick, Pottery, and Clay Workers. Auckland Coopers. Auckland Tailors. , Auckland Fellmongers. Kaipara and Hokianga Engineers and " Ohinemuri Engineers. Engine-drivers. . .. Auckland Hotel, and Restaurant Employees Auckland Sail, Tent, and Cover Makers. (Rotorua Hotels). Northern Steamship Company 'and Merchant Service Guild. Disputes partially settled. Auckland Curriers. Poverty Bay General Labourers. ■■■:: Auckland Ship, Yacht, and Boat Builders. Auckland Country Hotels. Auckland Nurserymen and Landscape Auckland Cooks and Stewards, Northern Gardeners. Steamship Company. Auckland Letterpress Machinists. - Disputes referred to Court of Arbitration. Auckland Restaurant, Tea-rooms, and Auckland General Drivers. Oyster-saloons. Auckland Bakers' Drivers. Auckland Private Hotels and Boarding- Auckland Certificated Engineers, houses. I have, Ac, T. Harle Giles, The Secretary of Labour, Wellington. Conciliation Commissioner.