THE ARBITRATION ACT.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 19317, 23 May 1928, Page 11

THE ARBITRATION ACT.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE PRESS. Sir,—So the Industrial Conference has closed. The good time is over, and finished up in a jovial spirit. The Prime Minister tells us it has been worth while, for the different sections represented at the conference now understand each other better. And yet we are told it finished up with a deadlock. The, Prime Minister further stated in effect, "Well, gentlemen, if you can't agree, how can you expect Parliament to agree?" Which indicates a further deadlock if the Bill for tangible amendments is introduced during the coming session. So the position may be summed up as a complete victory for the agitators who have put up their backs against any revision of the Act that does not suit their purpose. No wonder they could join hands aiul sing "Auld Lang Syne," while the poor farmer has to go 011 bearing the monstrous burdens the Arbitration Act has imposed on the producers of this country. No amount of argument shifts the burden from that portion of the community. The Arbitration Court, with its present powers is the biggest monstrosity put on the Statute Book of recent years. It is class legislation with a vengeance, and no one knows it better than the struggling farmers. I suppose we must go on singing.—Yours, etc., A.B.