SHIPPING AND ARBITRATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13160, 25 April 1906, Page 6

SHIPPING AND ARBITRATION.

A M.VI'TI.R which may he broadly staled as the question of the jurisdiction of the Arbitration Court in regard to oversea ships registered in foreign ports came somewhat informally before that branch of the judicature at Wellington, on Wednesday morning last. Mr. Jones, representing the Seamen's Union, mentioned the ease of Huddart, Parker, and Company's steamers, which, though registered in Australia, traded in New Zealand waters, and wen"; thus distinguishable from those of the Union Steam Snip Company, which were registered in this colony. The union asked that the award in all cases should' Ik- enforced in these waders. i[is Honor Mr. Justice Chapman said our legislation was not at present really adequate' to deal with .such cases. Mr. Jones pointed out that tin; company referred to contended that, the award of the Court did not, extend beyond the Wellington district Of course, ihe vessels could not cany this district on their decks: but the union desired that, the law should follow .the ship while she was in New '/>mla.nd waters. His Honor remarked that, the argument was a good one: but it might, not be good law. The -proper course would be for Parliament to pass adequate legislation to meet shipping cases. This had never been done, although the suggestion I had often been made.