MASTER AND WORKER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13725, 15 April 1908, Page 8

MASTER AND WORKER.

"enforcing the LAW. GOVERNMENT METHODS. . BLACKBALL FINE TO BE COLLECTED. A Hkiialo representative a»sked the Hon. Jams McGowan, Minister for Justice, yesterday what the intentions of the Government were in connection with the case of Mi'. Dixon, of Drnry, who if, at present undergoing imprisonment in Mount Eden Gaol. :'■■■■"" " Some people," replied the Minister, " are comparing, without due thought, the case of Mr. Dixon with iliat of the Blackball miners. Now, there can be no analogy between the two eases. The former was a civil action taken by an employee against an employer for wages due. The' decision of the magistrate was given, and Mr. Dixon declined to pay the amount involved, preferring to go to prison. It is not a question for the Government to deal with at. all. I presume- the magistrate is the only person who can deal with the case or reconsider it. The Imprisonment for Debt Abolition Act; 1874, gives the magistrate full power to vary an. order if he thinks lit. However, out of deference to public opinion the Government asked Mr. Northcrofi to report. That report has not, been received yet." "You say the magistrate could vary his decision?" " Yes. If I were Dixon, I would pay the debt and walk out of gaol. That would be the simplest solution of the difficulty," said Mr. McGowan. "There is a strong feeling that the Government's attitude towards the Blackball strikers is markedly different from that exhibited towards Mr. Dixon. Do you contend that the employees are entitled to more consideration than the employer who commits a breach of the Arbitration Act?" "I can only repeat that there is no analogy between the cases you quote," replied the Minister. "As to the Blackball miners, however, the Government will carry out the law. The tine will have to be paid. People are so impetuous, though. They' want to see things done all at once. It is only by such cases as these that the weaknesses and defects of the Arbitration Act are found out." "You agree with the Prime Minister, then, that weaknesses do exist?" " From legal opinions that have been obtained I think it appears to be necessary that some alterations should be made." Clause 14 of the Imprisonment for Debt Abolition Act, 1874, reads as follows: " Notwithstanding the provisions hereinbefore contained, it shall be lawful for the Court making any such order of committal, or for the Supreme Cour or any judge thereof, at any time (if under the special circumstances of any particular case the Court or judge" shall think fit to do, so), to direct that any person in custody under any such order as aforesaid shall be forthwith discharged, and he shall be forthwith' discharged accordingly."