LABOR INSPECTORS.

Bruce Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 21, 8 March 1909, Page 1

LABOR INSPECTORS.

The new Minister for Labor (the Hon. A. W. Hogg) has ken apologising for appointing prominent members or trades unions as inspectors. His action had been condemned by some of the . members of the Wellingt n Trades and Labor Council, who ac used him of "picking the eyes out of Labor." Tho Minister says he made one of the appointments because of tlio gentleman's "experience in connection with breaches of awards and prosecuting ill Court cases." In this connection the appointee's labors hud been eminently satisfactory in obtaining convictions. Hi had also been mo.st tactful and efficient. Another appointee had been "quiet in his manner, conciliatory, and at the same time an effi -ient officer." We quiet agree with the Minister that inspectors under the Labor Department must have experience an I know something of the business tiny are called upon to inspect. Jn too ?nanv cases in other departments these qualifications are not given due consideration. Tho inspectors should be sele: ted, says the Minister, from "the workshop and factory, should have a good acquaintance with Labor in various crnditions, and know how to handle men." This may be all quite true. But it is surely possible to find these qualiti >s outside the leaders of labor unions. The natural tendency of such gentlemen is to looK upon all employers as likely enemies—ogres to be watched carefully lest they devour their employees. There must always be a tendency 01. tho part of such inspectors to lean to the sido on which they have been fighting so valiantly. As a rule the inspectors of the Department are men of good sound sense, and rise to their responsibilities. But the fact remains that the Minister would do well to remember that there are other people than leaders in the ranks of Labor just as able and more likely to be absolutely fair who WouH make satisfactory inspectors.