ENGINEERS' DISPUTE.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 262, 5 November 1928, Page 8

ENGINEERS' DISPUTE.

AN UNUSUAL APPLICATION.

RETIREMENT OF ASSESSOR.

REQUEST BY EMPLOYEES

An application 'without precedent in the history of the Arbitration Court in New Zealand has been made by the Engineers' Federation in connection with the hearing of the General En gineers and Moulderers' dispute at Christchurcli next luesday. The employees desire Mr. G. T. Booth, employers' assessor on the Arbitration Bench, to temporarily vacate his seat m accordance with a provision in the I. C. and A. Act, which stipulates that "in any case where a permanent member of the Court is himself a partv to the dispute or proceedings, and is consequently unable to act as a member, another nominated member mav attend and act." The application was presented by Mr. F. Barter, Agent for the Federation, to the Minister of Labour (Mr. G. J. Anderson), and it has gone forward to the president of the Court, Mr. Justice Frazer, for consideration. The reason given why Mr. Booth should not act is that, prior to his recent appointment to the Arbitration Bench, he was managing director of Messrs. Booth, McDonald and Company, Ltd., agricultural implement manufacturers, and, consequently, in that capacity, a large employer of labour as it affects the engineering industry. Should the demand be acceded to, Mr. S. E. Wright -the employers' deputv assessor and secretary of the Auckland Employers' Association, will act in Mr. Booth's stead. Another feature about the dispute is I that, when the parties met in conciliation recently a deadlock was reached and the claims were not even discussed. The employers are seeking a comprehensive award, which involves 23 separate registered unions. This, however, is being strenuously opposed by the employees, who desire a Dominion award. The Motor Mechanics' Dominion disputi will precede the other proceedings, the only thing out of the ordinary in connection with the matter being that a certain section of Canterbury employers are applying for a separate award for motor cycle mechanics. Mr. R. F. Barter, of Auckland, will represent the employees in both disputes. He leaves for the' South on Friday evening.