ATTORNEY-GENERAL INTERVIEWED.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 76, 28 March 1908, Page 8

ATTORNEY-GENERAL INTERVIEWED.

The Hon. Dr. Findlay, as AjiorneyGeneral, was afterwards asigS for a. further elucidation of the legbl point. "I not only share the view of the Minister for Labour on this matter/ replied Dr. Findlay, to a question, "but I advised the Government shortly after the strike took place as to what steps could be taken to punish those who aided and abetted the strike. It is clear from what has happened recently that the Amended Act of 1905 required revision. As it stands at present, I do not tbinfc that proceedings coold be taken against anyone for aiding and abetting a strike unless he be a worker in the trade or industry in question, and then it conld only be if the aiding and abetting precede the completion of the offence by the men leaving , work. Proceedings were taken against the union because it had, in. this case, called a special meeting, and formally passed a resolution which was entered in the minute-book, proposing a strike. For this the union was fined £75, and failing payment by the union, the members are individually liable up to a limit of £10 each. To now proceed against the men independently would be to punish them twice over, for no doubt in fixing the fine the Arbitration Court' considered the conduct of the members of the union, and intended the punishment to be both collective and individual. Proceedings are being taken against the union to compel payment of the fine by the processes provided by law. Under all the circumstances," Dr. Findlay concluded, "it cannot be said that the Government lias in any way failed to enforce the law as it at present stands."