Compulsory Arbitration.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XL, Issue 7848, 27 May 1904, Page 5

Compulsory Arbitration.

(Par Press Association—Copyright.)

(Received May 27, at 30.53 a.m.)

Sydney, May 22. The morning papers, in leaders, and numbers oi employers' interviews, endorse the Chief Justice's opinion on the Arbitratioa Ac*. On the other hand labour circles consider it unwarranted and uncallad for . ; (Beceived May 27, at 9.55 a.m.) . London, May 26. The Hon. H. CopeLmdj iho AgentGeneral, on being interviewed, entirely disagreed with ihe New South Wales Chief -Justice's views regarding compulsory arbitration. He considered the Act promoted contentment and prosperity.

Note.—The views of the Chief J slice which are criticised by the Now S -uth Wales Agent-General, were expressed whenthe former was deliveiiog the full Court's decision in connection with an application for a prohibition restraining tho "Workmen's Union from p,-oc»ecting farther under the decision of the Arbit tration Courc filing the number of hands employed and hours worked. The Chief Justice said that beyond ail question tho Arbitration Act was a farce in this Btate; was in. derogation of the common law; an encroachment on the liberty of the subject as regards persons and property; interfered with liberty of action both ol employer and employee ; prevented one giving or the other obtaining employment except on terms settled by che Court; and deprived an employer from conducting his own business. The Act was productive df a most alarming and deplorable amount of litigation, with the cot-oomitant ill-feeling between employers and employees, who were fore- d into,, hostile camps. He believed the object of passing the Act'whs to (iroinbte peaco and goodwill, but feared it had not had thit efface.