GASWORKS DISPUTE

Evening Post, Volume XCIV, Issue 148, 20 December 1917, Page 8

GASWORKS DISPUTE

CONCILIATION COUNCIL PRO CEEDINGS.

The adjonrned meeting oi the Conciliation Council fo deal with the dispute between the retort-house workers at Miramar and the Wellington Gas Company was held to-day. The Commissioner (Mr. W. H. Hagger). presided, and the assessors and agents were the same as before, with the exception that Mr. A Adams replaced Mr. J. Roberts as representative for the union. When the dispute was first before the Oouncil, about a month ago, little or no progress was made, neither side exhibiting any willingness to give way on any point. Finally, the Commissioner intimated that he would make proposals and it was agreed that these should be considered.

On' a resumption of proceedings today, M r . Hagger said he hoped that since the adjournment both parties had seriously considered the condition of things, and in the meantime had decided to make compromises which would effect a settlement of "this very serious dispute. He proceeded : "You know as well as I do that disputes settled before the Ooncihation Council are likely to be much more satisfactory ,to both parties than if they were settled by the Arbitration Court. Beforei the Council, the various points are. discussed by experts whereas the Arbitration Court is unable sometimes to see the position in the correct light, and both sides may get something they don't want. Let us see if we cannot arrive at a complete agreement here ; if not a complete agreement, an agreement on the main, the principal, points. On the previous occasion we made practically no headway, but I hope we will, make better progress now\ I think it would be best if we made a fresh start' from the beginning in dealing with both proposals and the counterproposals."

At this stage, Mr. A. Dougall, manager of the Gas Company and one of its assessors, requested the Commissioner to ask the press representatives to retire. The proposal met with some opposition from the union's representative, but on a vote being taken it was decided.to go into committee, the understanding being that the Commissioner should supply a report of the proceedings.