THE ARBITRATION COURT.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 12479, 16 April 1906, Page 4

THE ARBITRATION COURT.

ATTITUDE OF THE TRADES' CONFKRJSMCE.

It wae fully expected that the Conference of Trades and labour Councils, wnicii met on Saturday, won l<l Have something to 6ay in regard to tho Arbitration Court, but delegates were somewhat divided as io the propriety oi dieciicßUig officially that muouabused tribunal ior the regulation of industries. Mr D. McLaren (Wellington) submitted the loilowing resolution, which, ho stated, had been passed by the Wellington '1 races end uaoour council:— •• Inat this Council has no connaenoe in the Arbitration Court as at present conetitut«d, and that it be a recoinnienda tion to the Conterence that it should consider the matter." Mr McLaren ttten moved— -i That the resolution be referred to the Uraer Paper Committee, with instructions to include it in the order paper." Speaking to the motion, he said he coneiuered that before the Conterence dwbanded, it ought to go into committee and very seriously consider-the responsibility placed on the shoulders of tho whole ot the delegates in having to face the situation wliicn had uneen througu the unsatisfactory administration ot tno Arbitration Act.

Mr Hampton seconded the motion. Mr Hood opposed the motion, on the ground that tjje matter should be relerred to the various councils for an expression of their opinion. Mr Rossev thought it was too big a question to discuss a: the Conference, aud that it should be previously discussed by the councils, lie won id move as an amendment, "That the letter bo referred back to the Wellington Council for reconsideration."

Mr Paul said ho intended to support the motion, aud thought the Wellington Council should be acquitted of ail blame for bringing the matter forward at the la«t moment. The position had been forced upon the Wellington Council, and if they, as assembled delegates, dodged a discussion on this question, it would not redound to the credit of tli« Conference. Tho matter was one upon whioii they should be prepared to make a pronouncement. Mr Rosser disclaimed any desire to dodge a discussion on any matter whatever.

Mr Cooper thought they should certainly discuss the matter ond ventilate their opinions, even if they did not pass any resolution. Mr jiarr agreed with Mr Hood that it was too big a matter to discuss before they had an expression of opinion from tlie councils. They were practically deciding to go back on their Councils and cause a considerable amount of trouble.

Mr Hampton did not think there was a delegate present who did not know the tee lings of hie council on this matter, and they would probably be criticised foT not speaking strongly enough. Mr McLaren explained that the (juestion oame up trom the Seamen's Union and the seamen, wharf labourers and stevedores felt very strongly on the position of affairs.

The amendment lapsed for want of a seconder, and the motion was then put ajid carried.