THE ARBITRATION COURT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11202, 24 October 1899, Page 5

THE ARBITRATION COURT.

AN UNSATISFACTORY POSITION. [by telegraph. correspondent,]

Wellington, Monday. There is an item in the Supplementary Estimates under the heading Department of Labour, "expenses in connection with the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act, 189* (additional), £1000," which caused considerable discussion to-night. Mr. Lewis asked in what direction the extra expenditure would go, and when the Court Would sit in Christchurch. Mr. James Allen wanted to know when tho Court would sit in Dunedin. He had applied several limes to the Premier in connection with the Case of the Kp.itangata miners, but could get no satisfaction, and the Premier's organiser had charged him (Mr. Allen) with neglecting his duties. The Premier, in reply, stated that the vote was a temporary provision for the judge's fees till the matter could be considered next session. It had been suggested that they should appoint another judge, but the Government had decided to go on as they were going for the present, and see how the thing worked out. The judge would leave for Christchurch about the third week in November. There was considerable discussion as to the unsatisfactory position, and some criticism about giving Judge Edwards the extra fees. Judge Williams, it was pointed out, had been treated differently. Even Mr. Hogg, one of the Premier s staunchest supporters, commented strongly on the fact that they were increasing one judge's salary and not the salary of the other judges. Several members thought there was something very peculiar about the Whole business, and Mr. Rolleston, Mr. James Allen, Mr. Sligo, and Mr. Lewis (the only one of the Christchurch members remaining at his post), pleaded with the Premier to have matters put on a better footing. General dissatisfaction was expressed that members should be put in a position of having to vote on the salary of a Supreme Lourt judge. The Premier's proposal would mean an increase of Judge Edwards salary _to £2000 a year, which would put the Uliiet Justice in a very invidious position. Jwr. 6. Hutchison suggested that the judges now sitting in the Appeal Court should be consulted, and the Premier agreeing to tnis tho vote was passed. ..