POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13106, 17 October 1904, Page 6

POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE

THE ARBITRATION BILL. (Fkou Oun Ow.v ComsroNjiENT.) WELLINGTON, October 16. Tho fact that the Labour Bills Committee has abandoned tho Conciliation and Arbitration. Act Amendment Bill may bo taken as a pretty clear indication that there will be no amendment of the act this year. Tho main point of tho bill which was before the committee was a provision for breaches of awards being heard by a magistrate, and the committee was largely influenced in dropping the bill by a letter ieceived from Mr .Justice Chapman, president of tho Arbitration Court, .who oxpressed his opinion that the present pressure of work, in the Arbitration Court would not continue.' Tho witnesses who were examined by the committee were not by any means agreed on the advisability of having brenehra of awards heart! in the Magistrate's Court, and several suggested that a better remedy 'for pressure of work would be to set up an Arbitration Court lor each island. PARLIAMENTARY OFFICIALS' SALARIES, It is understood that the Government intends to introduce a bill making the salaries of the Speaker and Chairman of Committees in both the Huufo and tho Council independent of their, honorarium as mcmbeis of Parliament. The Speaker of Ihc Hotiso would thus draw £cOO altogether, tho Speaker of the Council £700, Chairman of Commitees in tho Hotiss £600, and in tho Council' £500.