THE REVOLT AGAINST THE ARBITRATION ACT.

Bruce Herald, Volume XXXXIV, Issue 60, 2 July 1908, Page 2

THE REVOLT AGAINST THE ARBITRATION ACT.

TROUBLES OF THE MINISTER OF LABOR. SAVING THE WORKERS FROM THEMSELVES.

WELLINGTON, June 30. Speaking at a presentation to the Hon. J. Rigg, M.L.C., to-dp,y, the Hon! J. A. Millar, Minister for Labor, reft rre.l to the difficulties of solving the problem of the relation of capital to labor. The amendments to the Arbitration Act wanted by some were rejectee' by others. What was wanted was a fair contract. The Government was prepared to go as far with labor legislation as ever it had gone in the past. The present position was not satisfactory. lie wanted an opportunity to amend the Act- if it was not found nore effective then, they could repeal it. A considerable number of members of Parliament had stated that they intended, if possible, to repeal the Arbitration Act. That would be one of t.i 9 worst things that could happen. Certain classes of skilled workers could j rotect themselves, Act or no Act; but t.ia unskilled laborers and women required the protection of the Act. It bid begp of the greatest benefit to i ' om, and its repeal would put them 111 a terrible position. If he could not £et the assistance of the workers he could not hold his point tp maintain the Act. Unionists were striking in dethroughout the Dominion were passing fiance of the law, and other unionists votes of .sympathy. If that was the general feeling, and the men wanted to strike, it was quite clqar that they did not want the Arbitration Act. If strikes were wanted by the workers—well, the best thing was to do away with the Act. What was the good of tho Act, if tho workers were v: ing to ignore it? He did not know a L what moment he might get a telegram announcing a strike. The conclusion was that the workers were in revolt against the Act. The Labor Department had fairly and honestly tried to administer the Act. Of fines 'inflicted en employers 93 per cent, had been collected, while 73 per cent, of fines imposed on employees had been paid. Over £7OO had been collected out of £1750 inflicted on the slaughtermen, and another £260 was being collected by woekly instalments. There had been no distinction made in administering the Act. Judgment summonses were being issued a gainst employers and <>m- - ployees when fines were not paid. Thu was a most critical year. He wanted to solve thp r F °blem. The country had been prosperous, but ,was ; no% .getting