WHARF LABOURERS' DISPUTE.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 261, 28 July 1908, Page 8

WHARF LABOURERS' DISPUTE.

ARBITRATION COURT. UNION COMPANY ASK THAT CASE BE WITHDRAWN. (BX TELEGRAPH.—SrECIA.Ii, CORRESPONDENT.) Dunedin, July 27. Tho Arbitration Court sat to-day to hear tlio dispute botween tho Union Steam Ship Company and the Dunediri Wharf Labourers' Union. Mr. J. F. Kirby said:' Your Honour and Gentlemen of the Coiirt—Since we'were here last, Monday my _ Company have considered the position, and they fee] that it would not be -advisable to go N on with the case, seeing that the other side are not going to be represented, and I now appear to ask that the case be withdrawn in themeantime. We feel that probably before the Court sits bore again the parties will bo 'able to meet, and will be able to come to an agreement. There is that feeling existing between the parties. 'Wo thought at one time,of asking for an adjournment, but that would not have assisted the other party in the way they asked for. It would only havo the- effect of hanging the case up, and they could not'have got tho cancellation' of their registration that they ask for. Hence, we; ask the Court to allow the case to be withdrawn in the meantime. Wo think that before the Court sits here again wo shall be able to settle the matter. '; . Mr. Justice Sim: Very well. AVe give leave to withdraw tho reference.

Mr. \V. Belcher: I should liko to say, your Honour, on behalf of tho'Wharf Labourers' Union, that wo much appreciate the attitude taken by the Company in withdrawing tho _ case, seeing it will givo us an opportunity of achieving the object wo had' in view of cancelling tho registration of the Union. It seems to have been thought that some;ulterior motives lay at the bottom, of this matter, but-1 give ,vou an assurance that there is nothing of the' kind. Whilst we appreciate the action of the Company,. I may remark it'is not yet decided as to . the validity or otherwise of the application of the Union for cancellation of their registration. That is still in doubt. His Honour: The Court'decided that on Monday last. Mr. Belcher: Quite true; but tho Union; with all dun deference to tho Court, are still under the impression— . ■ His Honour: Tho Court are not interested in knowing tho opinion of ; tho Union .on questions of law. The. Court; have decided tho matter,' and that is an end of it. We don't want you to • tell us what you think about a question of law. Mr. Belcher: I am not : dictating to tho Court. His Honour: Wc don't want to hear you on the subject. , I