LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Press, Volume LVI, Issue 10541, 15 September 1899, Page 6

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

(PUSS ASSOCIATION T_-_C-____t.)

Thursday, Skftembeb 14.

The Council met at 2.50 p.m. FACTORIES BILL. On the motion for the committal of the Factories Act Amendment Bill, Mr McLEAN said the measure had been drafted in the most one-sided manner. When the head of the Labour Department *waa before the Labour Bills Committee, he admitted that such Bills were compiled on the basis of resolutions passed by the Trades and Labour Councils. Mr RIUG contended that the previous speaker hud ro-srepr-sentcd Mr Tregear's evidence, which had clearly shown that the suggestions of both employers and employees received equal consideration. Mr MAOURKOOR looked upon it as extr_ordmary that the Order Paper should be cootiruiaJ-y titled up with nothing but Labour Bills. Apparently the time was approaching when the resolutions passed at a trades union meeting would take the force of law. Mr BOLT thought the reflections on trades tuuo(n were quite unjustifiable. Moreover, there warn no evidence to show that the Government paid undue heed to unionists. Mr FRASER defended tho cause of unionism, but could not believe that the Labour Department gave sole attention to the union representations. Mr BONAR entertained opinions similar to those voiced by Mr MacGregor, his belief being that these Labour measures were foisted on Parliament without due consideration. Air PINKERTON could not see why trades unionists should be debarred from asking for relief and protection from Parliament. Mr JONES had no doubt that in framing tlie Eaeasure care was taken to see that its pravi_io__i met whatever difficulties existed. Tbe Bill was cc-nmitted, and passed, with the amendments recommended by the Labour Bills Oommittee. The principal clause in the BUI, which is very short, is one providing tliat no person shall employ in any factory or workroom any woman or girl for more than eight hours per day, nor for more than forty-five hours in the week, nor between six in tbe evening and eight in the inoniing. \ The Council rose at 4.25 p.m. <