ARBITRATION COURT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 12834, 6 April 1905, Page 5

ARBITRATION COURT.

A RECENT DECISION. COMPLAINT' TO THE PREMIER. [*? TELEGRAPH.— rBESS ASSOCIATION-.] Wellington, Wednesday. A deputation* from the Engine-drivers' Union waited on the Premier to-night, and complained of the recent decision of the Arbitration Court in dismissing a ease brought against Peter Hutson and Co., charging them with employing an enginedriver at less titan the award wages. It was stated that the judgment had been given for the defendants on the ground that the inspector of machinery had given a certificate stating that the engine was an llin one, and did not require a certificated driver, who was entitled under the award to the minimum wage of 8s per day. The driver in this case was paid 35s per week, and held a certificate. Apparently the inspector of machinery made an error. It was admitted that the engine was a 12|in one, which, under tho award, required a certificated driver. The spokes-man of tho deputation alleged that the president of the Court had declined to hear evidence which he should have heard. 'The Premier promised to confer with the Hon. W. Hall-Jones, Minister in charge of the Inspection of Machinery Department. So far as - the impeachment of the Court was concerned, ho said the Court was very properly placed beyond interference. Its decision was final. He desired to see the law- administered strictly and with justice, and was sorry if an injustice had been done.