WORK ANT) WAGES

Southland Times, Issue 19772, 21 February 1923, Page 6

WORK ANT) WAGES

LABOUR AMD ARBITRATION COURT. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, February 20. There is some speculation in Labour circles as to whether the Government will appoint the nominee of the Alliance of Labour, Messrs Hunter and W. E. Sill to the position of workera’ assessor and deputy assessor respectively on the Arbitration Court, in the event of their securing the support of the majority of unions. Notwithstanding that unions are asked to vote on the question of representation, on the Court, power of appointment rests solely with the Governor-General. The opinion has been expressed that in view of the fact that the Arbitration system is really on its trial, as a consequence of the readjustment of wages standards, following on rhe fall in the cost of living, the Government should see that the nominated members and acting members of the Court are selected from those unions which favour the preservation of the system. The appointment of workers, assessor and deputy assessor will be made next month. I .lowing on the casting of voles by the unions, a prominent Trades Union official, closely in touch with the varying shades of opinion, in the industrial labour world expressed the view to-day that resentment would bo aroused if the Government did not appoint, to the Court those who receive the strongest support from the unions, no matter whether they bore the imprimatur of the Alliance of Labour or otherwise. SEAMEN FINED WELLINGTON, February 20. Nine more seamen whose cases had been adjourned appeared at the Court to-day on a charge of taking part in an unlawful strike in November and each was fined £2. WEEKLY WAGE SYSTEM. SYEJNEY, February 20. (Received February 20, 7.30 p.m.) An aggregate meeting of Newcastle miners lodges passed a resolution to the effect that every effort should be made to establish a weekly wages system, such being the only permanent solution of th? intermittency of work in the coal mining industry.