LABOUR SHARES

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 101, 29 October 1924, Page 4

LABOUR SHARES

PROFIT FOR THE WORKERS

BILL PASSED BY LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

The Companies Empowering Bill, which authorises companies to issue labour shares, was passed by the Legislative Council after "The Post" went to press yesterday. Speaking on the second reading, the Hon. J. P. Campbell said he supported the measure, though he objected to clause 4, which made the adoption of the scheme dependent upon the Arbitration Court. He did not see the need for the intervention of the Court, for the employees were able to think for themselves and to secure the advice of capable and astute representatives in arriving at an agreement. Mr. CampbelL outlined the scheme in operation in the Auckland Gas Company, which, he said, had worked remarkably well for a period of ten years, and had given satisfaction to all parties. He supported the Bill, and said it could be amended if some of the clauses were found to be impracticahle. The measure was also supported by the Hon. W. Earnshaw, who welcomed it, because it would tend to bring- employer and employee to a better understanding. While no similar legislation has been passed before in the British Empire, schemes such as that proposed had been tried and proved to work satisfactorily. He trusted that a number of firms would put the scheme into practical application. The Hon. J. Barr stressed the import«"n c of tlle Princ'ple contained in the Bill, and pointed out profit-sharing had been provided for hy legislation in France and other countries. The French scheme involved the payment of dividends to a co-operative association, comprising the employees of the firm, and the cash was applied in various directions to the Benefit of the individual workers-—benefit, funds, recreation tunds, provident iunds, etc. He doubted, however, whether this system could be successfully applied -in New Zealand, ?, he favoured the scheme outlined in the Bill. He regarded the intervention ot the Arbitration Court as essential. The clause was a compliment to the Court—(hear, hear)—which would see that nothing was done that was undesirable or contrary to awards. ' NO GENUINE TRADE UNIONS. *i The v A°, n' J' MacGregor said he thought there was no call for the Bill at the present time, and that the scheme could operate without legislation. Trade unions might be hrought in as partners, but, unfortuantely, there were no genuine trade unions in New Zealand. He approved heartily of the principle of the scheme, for it would tend to do away with the separate antagonistic camps of the workers and the employers. He was not confident that the Bill would bring workers and employees together, but he was glad of the opportunity of helping to place it on the Statute Book. . One of the things about the Bill which impressed the Hon. G. J. Garland was that it made for individuality. It cut into the preserves of the agitator, who would have to go' to work. Co-partner-ship was the only thing that could abolish ill-feeling between the worker and the capitalist. The Hon. C. H. Izard pointed out that many companies in England and New Zealand had power under their articles of association to issue labour shares, and had already issued shares to employees. The Hon. A. S. Malcolm said he had been much impressed with the measure. Replying to the discussion, Sir Francis Bell said he considered it necessaTy lor the Court to act as referee in the framing of agreements. Without that provision they could not pass' such a proposal into law. The Bill was read the second time, and only minor amendments were made m Committee. The measure was then put through its final stages and passed. A fairly sharp but very brief earthquake was experienced last evening shortly before 9 o'clock. A return presented to the House of Representatives yesterday Showed that the number of members of the railway traffic staff, who received payment of the night rate for the year ended 31st March last was 2511, the cost to the Department being £8125. • "Those who are admitted to probation must realise that the Court has extended some leniency towards them, and it is up to them to see that they respond," remarked Mr. W. G. Riddel], S.M., in the Magistrate's Court to-day, when Arthur James Osborn was charged with a breach of his probation in that he had failed to report, and make restitution. The Magistrate imposed a fine of £5, in default 21 days' imprisonment. Accused was represented by Mr. F. B. Anyon. Thanks for his services aa delegate for the Centre on the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Council were conveyed to Mr. A. B. Siei'.wright by Mr. A C Kitto (chairman) at the annual meeting ot the Wellington Centre of the N.Z.A.A.A last evening. The hope was expressed that Mr. Sievwright would continue to take an active interest in the centre's doings. In reply, Mr. Sievwright stated that he was" always pleased to do anything for the sport, and particularly for the Wellington Centre. The Dominion Meteorologist (Mr. D. C. Bates) is at present on a visit to Hawkes Bay. "In the Middle Ages, wages were regulated by Act of Parliament," declared the Rev. Father Holbrook, at the Labour demonstration at Auckland on : Monday, "and though they may seem small compared with those of to-day, I venture to say that the social conditions of the thirteenth century compared more than favourably with our own." In support of his contention the speaker stated that at one period durin°- that century a yard of russet broadcloth cost ls Id, the finished coat 2s 6d, a fat sheep Is 2d, and a fat goose 21d. He brought his illustration, however to an hilarious climax by adding that the best English ale in those days cost Id per gallon. "May those days come again," he added, a sentiment which (reports the '.'New Zealand Herald") was almost lost m thunderous applause. His Grace Archbishop C. Julius will leave New Zealand for England in about six months' time, accompanied by his daughter, Miss Julius. His Grace, who stated last week that he intended early next year to resign from the position of Primate and Archbishop of New Zealand and Bishop of Christchurch, said on Monday evening that he intended to visit England, partly because he did not wish to be in the way when his successor arrived, and partly because he wished to see his relatives in the Old Country. He thought it only fair that his successor should have a "clear road" when he arrived to take up his duties. The Archbishop said that he was not going away from New Zealand altogether. He would probably return in about twelve months. It would be necessary to leave fairly soon, probably some time in May next.