ARBITRATION ACT.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 1 June 1927, Page 5

ARBITRATION ACT.

MORE FARMERS’ REMITS DISCUSSED.

I,ll* TELKQKAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION.;

DUNEDIN, May 31. At the annual icoiitorence ol the Otago provincial council’ of the Farmers’ Union to-day remits from three branches dealing with the Conciliation and Arbitration Act were considered.

The Milton branch’s .remit was as fodows: “(a) That the preference to unionists danse be deleted from the Act; (b) that provision be made in the Act for the right of a third party, such as the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, to appear officially in the Arbitration Court during disputes affecting the farmers of the Dominion; (c) that provision be made in the Act for the consideration by the Court pi the effect that an award, if made, would have oil the industry concerned; (d). before any union or combination of unions can declare a strike or an, organised refusal to accept work a secret ballot of all workers concerned must be taken under strict supervision. Failure tq do this shall make the union or unions concerned .subject to a substantial fine.” The Te Houka branch was responsible for the following remit: “That this, conference urges the abolition of the Industrial and Conciliation Act, and considers that the consequent institution of a system of payment by piecework would be- in the interests of the whole community.” The Lawrence branch proposed: “That the Arbitration Court system of fixation of wages on the. cost. of living basis, without due consideration to the ability of the industries concerned to pay those wages, and without due .regard to the fixation of the retail price, is not conducive to true prosperity or progress.” Mr. Murray said he thought the whole question of the arbitration system would be opened up by the Lawrence remit, which should be taken first. This coarse was agreed to. Tlx© adoption, of -Eho remit was moved by Mr. Revie, who .said the question had engaged the .attention of farmers throughout the Dominion, and tliere could be no question as to its importance. The remit was adopted. Th'e adoption of the Milton remit was carried. The chairman said,he did not think it was necessary to. bring up the Temit from the Te Houka branch, and on his suggestion the. remit wan? withdrawn.