LABOR LAW.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLVI, Issue XLVI, 6 May 1914, Page 6

LABOR LAW.

NEW LEGISLATION PROPOSED

An interesting statement was made iby the Prime Minister. (Right Hon. W. F. Massey) on the subject of the .prosecution of those unions which took an active part in the strike of last year.

"The matter," he said, "was referred to the Crown Law Officers, who have gone exhaustively into the whole .subject, and have forwarded two .lengthy reports to the Government "from which the following are extracts: 'There are great difficulties in the way. In previous cases in which ■unions have been proceeded against .instead of members, the difficulty in proving the complicity of the union :has usually proved insuperable. In 'Case of a conviction the registration of 2fche union could be suspended by th? Court, but this would not have th »eft'ect of extinguishing the union c • "preventing it from enforcing its right to obtain subscriptions from its members.' "It seems to me," the Prim? Minister remarked, "that the law is ■defective, and that if' a union that is •working under the Arbitration Act .goes ont on strike, its registration ■should bs automatically suspended until the Arbitration Court''has made an •enquiry into the whole position. The 'Government has no wish to be unnecessarily harsh or severe upon unions •the members of which admitted that *tney were wrong by returning to work and is only anxious to do what is right aad proper by protecting those men who stuck to their employment during -a very serious crisis. "I intend," Mr Massev stated in conclusion, "to have legislation draftc ian^ Propose to lay the opinions of the Crown Law Office and all oorre- • spondence in connection therewith before Parliament." It may be mentioned that the opinions from which the Prime Minister emoted are signed by the Solicitorgeneral (says the Evening Post).