LABOUR LEGISLATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13781, 20 June 1908, Page 6

LABOUR LEGISLATION.

ARBITRATION ACT DEFENDED. SPEECH BY THE MINISTER. [by telegraph.—press association.] Napier, Friday. The Hon. J. A- Millar (Minister for Labour) delivered an address in the Theatre Royal thL evening, the Mayor (Mr. J. "Wor Brown) presiding. The Minister said the object of the Government, hand in hand with the settlement of the land, was to encourage industries. Last year the tariff had been amended with a view to bringing that about. Although less than a year had elapsed since those amendments had been passed, yet already the industries bad grown enormously, and it was found impossible in the Dominion to get all the labour required to meet the demands. It was said «that the Government was driving capital out of the country by its labour legislation, but that was absolutely wrong, as was shown by the returns sent in by employers themselves. In 1901. the last census year, the total amount of money invested in land, plant, machinery, etc., in the manufactures of New Zealand was £8,000,000. In 1906, five years later, the amount had increased to £12.000,000. The total amount invested in hand used for manufacturing industries in 1901 was £1,900,000, and in 1906, £3,264,000; buildings, in 1901, £2,750,500, and in 1906 £5,851,500; machinery, etc.. in 1901 £5,862,000, and in 1906 £5,392,000, or an increase in five years of £4,100,752.

It had been paid that the Industrial Arbitration Act had been a failure, because it had not prevented strikes, but he did not think anyone ever really supposed that the Act would in every enso prevent strikes. He defended the Act, which he considered the best Act ever passed by the Government of New Zealand. The Royal Commission set up in 1890 to inquire into the condition of labour in New Zealand had found a state of things bordering on that which obtained in the large cities in the Old Country, and the workers were gradually coming to as low a state as it was possible under the wages system. With the passing of the Industrial Arbitration Act, however, an improvement had taken place. At present the Arbitration Court was not as popular with the workers as it. might be. In early years, after the passing of tho Act, as the condition of things in the country improved, the Court took into consideration the improved condition of affairs, and raised wages to what was considered a fair thing, but there was a limit, beyond which it would be impossible reasonably to go, because prices were governed largely by markets outside New Zealand, and they could not control that, so they must not increase the cost of production beyond what the same class of goods could be imported for. If they did, the industries would cease. The workers had the option of registering under the Act. They wore not forced into it, but if they did register they should loyally abide by the, provisions, of tho Act. If the Act were abolished, ho thought unionism would soon disappear, for without tho Act the workers were not ill a condition to protect themselves. Ho thought the best way of adjusting disputes was for the workers and employers to come together face to face, and arrange matters. During the last 18 months 59 disputes had been settled in New Zealand in this way, without going before the Arbitration Court at all. The workers in this country were in the majority, and men and women had a vote, so if legislation was not satisfactory it. was their fault. There had been a steady increase in the cost of living, but that was chiefly due to the prices ruling in countries to which our goods were exported, and not to an increase in wages. Continuing, the Minister said he intended during the coming session to propose several amendments to the Industrial Arbitration Act. He thought non-unionists should bo mado to contribute the .same subscription to the unions as that paid by the unionists, because they benefited equally in any. awards obtained. Ho also intended to propose amendments to the Employers' Liability and Workers' Compensation for Accidents Acts. At present those who were entitled to money under the Acts did not alwavs get the full amount, because there was "so much difficulty in ascertaining tho amount payable. Ho knew of an instance where a widow, entitled to £400 compensation for the loss of her husband, received only £80, after all expenses had been deducted. The Act should fix the amounts payable with respect to specified injuries, etc., and that amount should be payable in full. Mr. A. L. D. Eraser, M.P. for Napier also spoke, advocating the adoption of the second ballot at elections, and also tlo abolition of special representation to Maoris.

A vote of thanks and confidence in the Government was carried. "AIDING AND ABETTING" STRIKES. PROPOSED LEGISLATION. [BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Wellington*, Friday. In view of the Hon. J. A. Millar's published intention to introduce legislation early in the session to define "aiding and abetting" in connection with strikes, and as the majority of tho affiliated bodies were in favour of such a course being adopted, the advisory board of the Em,. plovers' Federation to-day decided not to institute proceedings in the meantime against the various unions alleged to be concerned in aiding and abetting the Blackball strike. A letter was received from tho Deputy-Chief Inspector of the Labour Department intimating that it had been decided to take proceedings against the men who went out on strike at the Wanganui Freezing Works. Members expressed satisfaction at the Department's intentions. It was decided to send a deputation to wait upon the annual conference of the farmers' unions, which will be held in July, at Wellington, to endeavour to secure the affiliation of the fanners' unions throughout the Dominion with the federation, for mutual protection in industrial matters.