THE HON. J. RIGG'S VIEWS.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 12897, 31 August 1907, Page 10

THE HON. J. RIGG'S VIEWS.

A more favourable view of the proposed changes is taken by the Hon. J. Rigg, M.L.C., who is generally known as tho "father of the Independent Political Labour League." "I have not yet had time to thoroughly analyse the measure," he said this evening, on being asked for his opinion: "but from a cursory glance I should say that the proposed amendments will mean a substantial improvement upon the present law." He approved or tho proposed establishment of industrial councils, but thought that threo members—ono representative of each side and a chairman—would be quite sufficient. He expressed approval of the proposal to give Magistrates power to deal with cases of enforcement of awa ids, but said he would strongly oppose the clauso giving inspectors of awards power to issue underrate permits. "I object," he said, "to giving any ton shilling a day inspector the power to fix a man's wageG. 1 do not think this power should be civen to a person of leas authority than a Magistrate, or the chairman of the Council that has made the award in tho trade concerned."

In respect to the clauso making fines imposed on workers recoverable by deductions from wages, Mr Rig<z said ho would oppose this unless it wns provided that no deductions should be made from the wages of any worker in receipt of less than £2 a week as provided for in the present Wages Attachment Act. "I also think," he added, "that there should be a specific provision against the enforcement of penalties under the strikes clause by imprisonment." On being asked for his opinion regarding the proposed compulsory contributions to the funds of a uaion, Mr Rigg said:—"This is, of conreo an attempt to about compulsory preference to unionists by indirect moans. I would, howovcr, prefer to see a clause directly providing for preference."

On being informed of the Minister's statement to the employers' deputation as to his intention to insert a clause dealing with the disposal of unions' surplus funds, llr Rigg remarked:—"lf too many restrictions are imposed on the liberty of unions to deal with their funds as they think fit, it will probably bo found that they will relieve themselves of all responsibility under the Act' by cancelling their registration. I believe in every union having unemployed and sick funds, but I resent any dictation as to tho proportion of their funds that they shall anply to such purposes." "Tlie employers seem to fear the e_ - tiblishmeiit of 'dangerous fighting funds on the part of the unions.'" Mr Rigg's reply to this was prompt nnd emphatic. "If." he said, " a union wants a fighting fund for any particular purpose, it will have no difficulty in raising it." He instanced the case of the Auckland bootmakers' strike many years ago. when he said the sum of £600 was raised. Thia wa.. a sufficient evidence of tho capacity of unions to raise money for sucb a purpose should circumstances warrant it.