THE EMPLOYERS’ SIDE

Southland Times, Issue 14505, 25 August 1910, Page 5

THE EMPLOYERS’ SIDE

ANOTHER PROTEST. (From Our Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, Aug. 21. A protest against what he described as the harassing nature of some of the legislation which this country's Parliament has passed in so far ns it affects the interests of employers, was made in the House last evening by Mr O. M. Thomson. “ Employers,” he said. " are feeling very much harassed by the course of legislation. If we are going to introduce another clement (under Mr Sidey’s Education Amendment) of harassment, the present feeling will be still further accentuated. I know of men who are at the head of large industrial concerns to-day who in their youth worked from 6 a.m. to (5 p.m. and got their education afterwards.” This protest was made in reference to a clause in the Bill which provides that employers are to give- time to permit attendance at continuation schools, and pains and penalties are provided where such permission is not given. THE TRAMWAYS BILL. EMPLOYERS' OBJECTIONS. WKLIJXGTOy. Aug. 21. The following letter lias been sent to the Prime Minister and tlie Minister of Labour : " Sir. - lam directed by my Parliamentary Commit lee to convey to yon the strong objection of the New Zealand Employers’ Federation to section fi of the Tramways Rill. The principle of compelling employers to give the right of appeal in dismissals, disratings, fines, nr other punishments •would, if generally applied, bo subver-dve of discipline, tend to take the real control of business out of the hands of employers, and would lead to constant friction, .as well as being open io abuse. T have to point out that, the Government itself realises the difficulties which may arise in this connection. as. in connection with the Railways Appeal Board, the right of veto is secured by the Minister, and has on more than one occasion been exercised by him. My committee fear.", dial if the clause referred to becomes law it will be the (bin end of Die wedge to compel employers of labour In give reasons in every ease when i( is necessary (o discharge employees, ft is therefore urged by my Federation that the Government should take steps to delete the clause from the Bill. I am, etc..

WILLIAM PRYOR, Sec. N.Z. Employers’ Federation.