ARBITRATION COURT

Grey River Argus, 21 March 1940, Page 3

ARBITRATION COURT

Early Hearing

OF WATERSIDERS’ CASE.

WELLINGTON, March 20.

“The Court recognises that this dispute has first place, and proposes to make as early a.fixture as possible,” said Mr. Justice Tyndall, in the Arbitration Court, when Mr. Bennett, general secretary of the New Zealand Waterside Employers’ Association, asked for an early fixture for the Dominion waterside workers’ dispute. Mr. Bennett said that it should have been before the Court in February last year. Since then, a lot of publicity had been given to the delay, and the employers had been blamed for that delay. “We are here to-day, prepared to go on with the case, but there is no appearance of the other side. We are in no way to blame for the delay.” Mr. Justice Tyndall: The Court will make as early a fixture as possible to suit the convenience of both sides. The Court will gave an undertaking that, if you and Mr. Roberts agree on a date, the Court will fix that date.

Mr. Bennett said that the case would probably take four days. It was agreed to make a fixture on April 2. Mr. Justice Tyndall was presiding over the first sitting of the Court in Wellington since his appointment, and he was welcomed by Messrs W. J. Mountjoy (on behalf of the employers), J'. R. Hanlon (on behalf of the Labour Department), and T. J. L. Tucker (on behalf of the unions). All assured him of the 'co-operation of those they represented. The work here will occupy the Court at least two months. Several fixtures were made to April 5.