EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3774, 13 July 1926, Page 77

EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES.

MUTUAL CONCESSIONS URGED. AUCKLAND, July 5. “Experts on both sides are in a bettef position than the court to settle many of the technical clauses in these cases,” said Mr Justice Frazer in the Court of Arbitration, when advising the parties in two! disputes, which had been referred to the court after a partial agreement had been arrived at, lo confer again before finally bringing tne matter to the court. Referring to the deadlock that had arisen over the conditions in one dispute, his Honor recalled tho ruling made by Mr Justice Sim, when president of the court, that where an award had been made several times incorporating the same class of conditions the court would not make an alteration. “I want to make it quite clear, however, that the effect of the ruling is not as harsh a* it is. worded,” added his Honor. “It does not bar progress nor does it mean that where the circumstances change no alteration will be made, but in ordinary circumstances that is the attitude of the court.” It was for that reason, said his Honor, that he wished the parties to have another conference as a means of reaching e settlement. He suggested that in each case the employers ohould concede any demand that was reasonable, and that th* union should drop any claim that they knew would be not accepted in the court. “We are not trying to evade our duty,’ added his Honor. “It is merely for tho sake of promoting a satisfactory settlement.. If you cannot agree on them the wages clauses may be referred to us. We ara used to dealing with such matters, bub technical matters are best settled between, experts.” . The parties affected intimated that tho conference' suggested by his Honor would be possible. Dates for the hearing of tho dispute following the conference wero fixed.