LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15937, 3 December 1913, Page 5

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

THE INDUSTRIAL UNREST.

Sir,—As it is quite evident from the attitude of many unions at the present timo that they have lost confidence in the Arbitration Court, and a 6 nominations are now being received from representatives to act on that body, it appears to me a most opportune time for all interested to consider carefully the 'whole position 'and endeavour to adopt some alteration or proposal which would bo acceptable to all parties. As regards the present constitution of ithe court, one must admire the legal ability of his Honor. At tho 6amo time he does not appear to take a keen interest in industrial matters, and consequently may not be the most suitable president. As regards the workers' a.nd employers' representatives, each apparently is fighting for their respective intercs'is, with not much conciliation from either side. It will be admitted by all reasonable men that, so far as the employers' representative is concerned, he holds a twofold position. In the one case he receives a salary as secretary for the employers, and in tho other case ho obtains payment for his services in his judicatory capacity adjudicating on a case he has previously prepared, and it appears to me, no matter how worthy or competent he may be, he should resign ono or other of these positions. Now, the other and more important question: Can legislation be devised to prevent absolutely strikes, and thus Drevent tho disorganisation of trade and enormous loss to the whole community, or can the Arbitration Court be so constituted as to inspire confidence in both parties? I believe that is possible, and, whilst I hold the opinion that tho president should hold the status of a Supreme Court judge, is it absolutely essential that when dealing with such questions ho should sit in all his legal formality and not simply as president of the court to adjust differences by conciliation? In addition to the president there should be appointed two bona fide assessors from each side engaged in the particular trade on every industrial dispute. Theso assessors would be practical men on both sides, and would be in a position to advise the president on all technical points, and I venture to ss.y that a court so constituted would be able to adjust and settle 90 per cent, of the disputes without calling any evidence. The same assessors could act in other matters. Only last week a good deal of tho court's timo was taken up by applications from unions to join parties to awards and from employers asking-to be exempt. The assessors suggested would know the circumstances and the nature of business of each party, and would be in a position to advise the president so that a decision could bo given without calling evidence from each side. The present strike has convinced me that tho Arbitration Court must at early date be reconstructed, and the question 13 on what lines to minimise the possibility of a repetition of tho present upheaval.—l am, etc., EmpCoiee. THE RUNANGA MINERS. Sin,—Allow mo to correct ono or two errors in your aib-leader of December 1, entitled "A Law Unto Themselves." (1) The men of Runanga do not work at Seddonvillo; tho places are at least 100 miles apart. (2) Tho profit from the Runanga mines last year was thousands of pounds, (3) The State does not own 5 per cent, .of the houses in either township. (4) Instead of the coal being nearly exhausted and collapsing at Runanga, it ia to be the biggest producing colliery in the country, as it. is there tho new Point Elizabeth mine 'is situated, in which the State has spent £350,000.-1 am, etc., .. Kai-kai. , Kaitangata, December 1.

[The inadvertent error, -whereby Seddonvillo was said to be the mine in which the Runanga mc« arc employed, was corrected in our iesuo of yesterday.—Ed. O.D.T.]