LABOUR LEGISLATION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CVI, Issue 12573, 7 August 1901, Page 6

LABOUR LEGISLATION.

THE PREMIER'S REMARKS. [From Our Special Correspondent.] WELLINGTON, August 6. Under the heading, “A Timely Warning,” the “New Zealand Times” says editorially:—“No one knows better than the Premier when the psychological moment has arrived for crying halt to a section of his supporters who- may be driving him too far in on© particular direction. This moment' has unmistakably arrived in the case ,of the Labour Unions, whose influence in politics has in, the past 'been out of proportion, to their importance, numerical or otherwise. Mr Seddon was commendably ■candidi and) properly minatory in his remarks bo the deputation of Labour Unions which waited upon him yesterday afternoon to suggest changes in the working of the Conciliation. Boards. His statement that both sides were sick of it all, as applied to the working of these Boards, might with equal truth have bean applied to the whole subject of Labour legislation, for the proposed amendment in the Factories Act now before Parliament assuredly is net desired by any party in the State. The-fault is not with the Conciliation and Arbitration law so much as with the way, in which it is being grossly misused) by the Labour Unions and their advisers. The tactics employed convey the impression that there la a desire either to bring conciliation into contempt, or ' provide continuous work for Labour agitators, some of whom have, by a strange vagary, found their way on to the Conciliation Boards. It is these latter gentry and not reputable trade unionists who are ‘ riding the thing to death,’ or to the destination usually arrived at by the proverbial beggar on horseback. It is regrettable that this splendidly meant piece of legislation, is being imperilled by these means. Regrettable, too, is it to find that the only remedy which the Unions seem able to propose is the creation of further billets and perquisites for the professional Labour agitator. The Premier, we are glad to notice, promptly vetoed this idea,. and gave a direct warning that the Labour Unions must ‘rest and be thankful’ lest worse things should befall them and the Government. Not only is it absolutely necessary for the welfare of the country and its material progress that there should be no fresh legislation imposing additional restrictions on industrial enterprise, but there will inevitably be a demand for a change in the Conciliation Boards unless the Labour Unions radically alter their methods. The existing system, if it has not actually broken down, has come perilously near collapsing. This point is shown, by the. fact that one dispute remained unsettled for about two years.”