ARBITRATION LAW.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 165, 14 July 1928, Page 14

ARBITRATION LAW.

STOP-GAP ACT EXPIRING.

TASK FOR THIS SESSXOW.

WILL MEMBERS AVOID IT?

AWKWARD IN' ELECTION YEAR.

(By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.)

WELLINGTON, this day,

Almost equal to the licensing controversy was the Parliamentary struggle last session over the attempt to amend the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act. The original bill introduced by the Minister of Labour was condemned by the employers' and the employees' organisations with remarkable unanimity, and the Labour Bills Committee drastically cut out many sections. Then the House itself took such strong objections to what remained that the Minister of Labour threw over his original 26-clause measure and brought in a new. bill, having only one operative clause. It contained recognition of the fact that legislation as demanded by a group of farming supporters of the Government could not be passed without further consideration. The discussions led to the National Industrial Conference, which, it was hoped, would find a smooth path through the difficulties; therefore, the actual amendment of the Arbitration Act which was passed at the last moment was of a stop-gap nature. It provided that no award relating to the farming industry or to the manufacture of butter, cheese," or other milk products should be made before September 1, 1928. Meanwhile any existing awards in this sphere were to be maintained, but not amended or extended. It was explained by Ministers that this would enable the National Industrial Conference to fully consider the position and report to Parliament in ample time to effect amendments of the Arbitration Act this session. The conference failed to achieve unanimous agreement on the vital point of compulsion in arbitration, though in some other respects it clarified the issues and provided the general public with well-considered statements of varying viewpoints. Postponing a Difficulty. The stop-gap Act runs out on September 1, and therefore something must lie done by. Parliament before it faces the electors. The situation is now being actively canvassed, and there has arisen an influential movement to further postj»one action. The suggestion is that from the party standpoint it is highly desirable to keep such contentious issues in the background on the eve of an appeal to the electors. This argument is being put to Government members, as being the most receptive element under the circumstances. Private Conferences. The Government group, in which Mr. J. G. Eliott, member for Oroua, is the most active figure, is, however, becoming concerned over any suggestion of delay. They contend that primary production is loaded with high costs, directly and indirectly, through restrictive conditons imposed on industries, and that the situation must be faced if the farmers are to be established in sound economic position. Conferences have taken place- of interests closely concerned in Labour legislation, and it is likely they will reach the point, within a few days, of approaching the Prime Minister with suggestions. Mr. Coates is taking charge of the legislative situation. As far as can be learned, he has not submitted draft proposals to hit colleagues, as he is desirous of giving an opportunity for the consideration of suggestions from outside, so long as these can be presented without undue delay.