ARBITRATION COURT.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XIII, Issue 78, 16 March 1923, Page 2

ARBITRATION COURT.

TRIBUTES TO MR REARDON. Wellington, March 15. Mr M. J. Reardon took his seat for the last time to-day as employees’ representativo on the Arbitration Coutr. Oii behalf of the Bar, Mr P. J. O’Regan and Mr G. N. Watson expressed regret at Mr Reardon’s scverence from the Court, and said he had proved himself worthy of the position ho had occupied. The Bar appreciated his ability and impartiality. Mr Scott, employers’ representation, said Mr Reardon had discharged his duty with ability conscientiousness and fearlessness. Mr Justice Frazer said that Mr Reardon had always looked at every case I with a judicial mind, and while he never lost sight of the interests of the people Ihe represented, he always endeavoured I to look at both sides carefully.

Mr Reardon said he came to the Court at a time vyhen the tension was somewhat high, and his position was not easy. If he had been so minded he might have availed himself of his position to make himself accpctable to probably a majority of the workers if he had abused his position on the Court by making it what might be termed a political platform. Although pressed by various people to do so, lie could not see his way to take advantage of his position on the Court to improve his prospects when election time came. He had the consolation that he retained his self respect. lie believed the tide of in dustrial depression had now turned and his successor ’s task would be very much lighter than his had been.