SIR JOSEPH WARD AT AUCKLAND.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 13 February 1908, Page 3

SIR JOSEPH WARD AT AUCKLAND.

VIEWS ON THE ARBITRATION ACT. [United Pbkss Association.] WELLINGTON, "ThursdayIn a speech at Karangahake -Sir Joseph referred to the Arbitration Act. It could, he said, be improved, but it had done away with the old system of the strength of money. Under. that system only one class suffered — the workers, their wives and children. A similar state of affairs would be our lot here if in future we repealed from our Statute Books that important legislation which enabled disputes to be settled by process of law, and provided in the meantime against any loss on production in a particular industry affected. Only within tho last few days, he said, this country had been asked to help men who had struck in the shipping trade at Sunderland, where 30,000 were out of work and nearly starving. Those men and their wives could have been saved if in the Old Country they had such a law as our Arbitration Act. The old system was barbarous, cruel, 'cowardly. In every country where it existed men always got the worst of it in a struggle. It was impossible to compare the conditions in the Old Land with New Zealand. On the Continent- of Europe — indeed, "in all Continental countries — the masses had to resort to anarchy to impress upon the people their desire to obtain an amelioration of the laws. This was a very improper method for anyone to resort to.

I , . Consumers of butter will be pleased to hear that the Brightwater Factory is now opened for the season, and those who wisely insist upon having nice, sweet, wholesome Butter should demand "Victory," and use no other, thus encouraging local industry.*

Fol. 69.

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