AWARDS AND THE WAR.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVI, Issue 16807, 17 March 1915, Page 5

AWARDS AND THE WAR.

QUESTION OF SUSPENSION

ARGUMENT IN ARBITRATION COURT. TPkh Press Association-.j WELLINGTON, March 16.

Further argument on tho applies,tion by trader unions to recomnmnco the hearing of industrial disputes was hoard by the Arbitration Court to-day.

Mr Carey, the unions’ representative, said that in no country where the principle of tho Arbitration Court, was in force had it been laid down that the functions of the Court should bo suspended in war time.

Mr Justice Stringer poiuted out that the Court’s ruling was only tor the time being, and tho application for review could be made at any time.

Mr Carey replied that the interpretation placed upon the judgment by employers had tended to block arbitration and conciliation, and to discourage trades unionism. To show no ground for the suspension of the Court’s functions ho referred to the prosperity of the Dominion and the absence of unemployment. Savings Banks deposits had also increased largely in January. Mr Justice Stringer suggested that this might indicate the closing of other avenues of investment.

Mr Carey: On a matter like this T am contented to take tho opinion of Mr Massey, who says that tho Savings Bank deposits indicate increased prosperity. Mr Justice Stringer: We can’t take Mr Massey’s opinion as gospel, you know.

Mr Carey: When they back up the claims of unions probably they are nearer right than they ever were before.

In the course of further argument, Mr Carey contended that not only had the war not affected employment but it had acted as :a corrective to unemployment. The Labour Department in New Soutli Wales had obtained figures which indicated that at the end of October 11.650 men' had been drawn from civil life for the Expeditionary Forces. At least 10,500 must be taken as drawn from the ranks of the cin-" ployecs in industries. No figures were obtainable as to the position iu New Zealand, and ho urged that the New South Wales tables must be taken as a guide. Mr Justice Stringer said that he thought the position different in New Zealand. More recruits had come from the country.

Air Carey contended that this was a mistaken impression. Ho also laid stress on the increase in the cost nf living.

Argument for the employers will be heard to-morrow.