ARBITRATION ACT

Evening Star, Issue 19918, 14 July 1928, Page 4

ARBITRATION ACT

STOP-GAP MEASURE EXPIRING TASK FOR THIS SESSION WILL IT BE AVOIDED? [From Ock Parliamentary Rei’obtee.} • WELLINGTON, July 13. Almost equal to tho licensing con troversy was the parliamentary struggle last session over tho attempt to amend the industrial Concilation and Arbitration Act. The original Bill, introduced by the Minister or Labour, i was condemned by the employers’ and employees’ organisations with remark able unanimity, and the Labour Bills Committee drastically cut out many sections. Then tho House itself took such strong objections to what remained that the Minister of Labour threw over his original twenty-six-clausc measure, and brought in a new Bill having only one operative clause. It contained recognition of the lact that legislation, as demanded by a group of farming supporters of the Government, could not be passed without further consideration. The discus sions led to the National Industrial Conference, which it was hoped would find a smooth path through the difn__ cultics. Therefore, tho actual amendment to the Arbitration Act which was passed at the last moment was of a stop-gap nature. It provided that no award relating to the farming industry, or to manufacture of butter, cheese, or other milk products, should he made before September 1, 1928. Meanwhile my existing awards in this sphere were to he maintained and not amended or extended. As was explained by the Ministers, this would enable tho Industrial Conference to consider tho position and report to Parliament .in ample time to effect amendments ot the Arbitration Act this session. Tho conference failed to achieve unanimous agreement on the vital point of compulsion in arbitration, though in some other respects it clari fied the issues and provided the general public with well-considered statements of varying viewpoint POSTPONING A DIFFICULTY.

The stop-gap Act runs out on September 1; therefore something must bo done by Parliament before it faces the electors. The situation is now being actively canvassed, and there has arisen an influential movement to further postpone action. The suggestion is that from a party standpoint it is highly desirable to keep such contentious issues in the background on tho eve of an appeal to the electors. This argument is being put to Government members as being the most satisfactory solution under the circumstances.

Tho Government group, in which Mr Elliott (member for Oroua) is the most active figure, is, however, begin ning to become concerned over any suggestion of delay. _ They contend that primary production is loaded with high costs, directly and indirectly, through restrictive conditions imposed on industries, and that tho situation must bo faced if the farmers are to ho established in a sound economic position. Conferences have taken place of the interests closely concerned in Labour legislation, and it is likely that they will reach the point within a few days of approaching the Prime Minister with suggestions. Mr Coates is taking charge of the legislative situation. So far as can be learned, he has not submitted draft proposals to his colleagues, as ho is desirous of giving an opportunity for the consideration of suggestions from outside, so long as these can he presented without undue delay.