ENFORCING THE FINE.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 13637, 16 April 1908, Page 4

ENFORCING THE FINE.

Per Press Association*

WELLINGTON, April 16. •5-People -imagine that nothing has been done by the government," said the Minister for Labour, (the Hon. J. A Millar), when discussing the strike stoK % Blackball. • "gj^ffg td be an idea prevalent that the Department has taken no action. That idea is entirely erroneous. What are iSteftSfcJ? The" Arbitration Court gave ; its, decision on March 12th. The demand for payment of the hne was Sade on March 18th. A reply wasreceivaa from the Union onMarch 20tIr S^ng it had no funds. This was W vSrded to the Chief Inspector of Awards, who then made a demand for immediate payment. On March 30th the Union again stated th6.t it had no funds, and on April 7th the Crown Prosecutor at Greymouih was told to take the necessary steps to recover the penalty. , He now has the matter in hand. The reason why. the demand tor payment of the fine in the Wia; stance was not made until 1 March 18th was because negotiations were going on for a settlement. As soon as it became apparent that nothing would be done in this direction, I immediately put the law in motion. The Crown Prosecutor will first oroceed against the Union officials, and then, if necessary, against every individual member of the Union." The Minister added that the only way to render the law thoroughly effective in relation to the collection of : fines was to embddy in the Act the proposal submitted in.his Bill last year, i c.f the right to "follow" a worker who had been fined to any employer whom he subsequently worked* for, and collect a percentage of his wages to-. N wards -tho ultimate liquidation of the. penalty.