THE THIRD PARTY

Southland Times, Issue 17628, 17 April 1914, Page 5

THE THIRD PARTY

and industrial disputes. lIKPUTATIOX TO THE PREIIIEH. (Per United Press Association.) AUCKLAMI April IC. The question of sr,feguardin?; the interests of Die •'third party" in industrial disputes, heard before the Arbitration Court, has boon often referred to in discussions regarding the working of Xcw Zealand I.about - laws. The matter cropped up again during an interview between a deputation from the Auckland Farmers' Union and the Prime Minister, the particular subject on this occasion being the suggested payment of special rates to timber workers for handling imported timbers. The "third party” in this case arc the builders and farmers, and the deputation dwelt on the need of safeguarding their interests. The Prime Minister said that the Govermnent could no more interfere with the Arbitration Court than with the Supreme Court. There was no doubt, however, that, as pointed out. there was a defect in the present system. There was often a third party in industrial disputes which at present had no statutory right of being heard. Tit is was being considered and he thought that any third party which felt sufficiently interested should have a legal right to go to the Court and give evidence. lie thought that the law allowed this to he done now at the option of the Court, hut he was not quite clear on that point. He would look into the matter and if he found dial an amendment of the Act was necessary lie would take steps in that direction.