Watson in a Difficulty.

Manawatu Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 7802, 25 June 1904, Page 3

Watson in a Difficulty.

Arbitration Bill Menaced

On "Preference" Question

Progress Reported.

Press Association —Copyright, Received Juno 25, 0.15 n.ui.

Melbourne, Last Night,

After a debate, extending over three sittings, the House, by 34 to 22, negatived Mr Johnson's amendment to the Arbitration Bill, to strike out the power of the Court to grant preference to Unionists.

Mr McCoy moved, and the Government supported and carrier! on th« voicos, an amendment providing for duo notification in the Gazette and elsewhere, cases whero it was intended to enforce preference to unionists. He then moved an addition that no such preference bo directed to bo given unless . application for such preference is approved by a majority of those affected by tho award who have iuteregts in common with the applicants. - .'. Mr Watson strongly opposed thiß, and called on all his supporters 'to vote against McCoy's addition, but it was carried by 27 to 22.

Mr Watson immediately moved io report progress. He said tho Goyornihent regarded the amendment as a very serious cut right at the he'irt of the Bill, and it was necessary for the Governmerit to consider how far the amendment affected the general purposes ot the measure, and now far they would ask members' to reconsider the "matter.

Progress was reported, and tho House adjourned till Tuesday.