DAIRY COMMISSION

Hokitika Guardian, 3 May 1934, Page 5

DAIRY COMMISSION

JUDGE’S INCLUSION

“SERIOUS DISSATISFACTION.”

(Per Press Association.—Copyright.)

WELLINGTON, May 2,

Inquiries made to-day as to the possible effects of the cancellation of Aiibitmtibn {Oouift fixtures owing , vto the appointment of the president' of the (court, (Mr Uustice Frazer, as chairman cf the Dairy Industry Commission, drew comment, that it is likely to cause serious inconvenience, and in some cases hardship.

“Dor some time there has been serious dissatisfaction owing to delay in having workers’ compensation, cases disposed of by the Court of Arbitration, and that position has naturally been aggravated by the announcement that a number of fixtures already made have been cancelled,” said Mr P.‘ J. O’Regan, a barrister 1 .and solicitor who handles many such cases. “Some of the cases in -which I am no doubt there are many others, have been fending as long as six month's,, and ;the delay is causing serious inconvenience and hardship to persons who jare in the very worst 'position to endure it.

• “I shall be surprised if more is no* heard about the matter. The subject !is one which concerns not only workers, but also employers and insurance companies. There is a large class of cases incapable -of settlement by agreement, and which, therefore, have to be litigated. To postpone litigation necessarily prolongs the period of disablement and increases. liability. In England it is provided by law that weekly compensation cannot be discontinued in the interval between the court sit- ■ tings. If the present state; of affairs, is to continue in this country,, then we shall have to consider seriously the question of requiring the law; of this Dominion to be brought- into line in that respect.”