HEARING HELD UP

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20638, 29 January 1937, Page 8

HEARING HELD UP

COMMENT BY COMMISSIONER Bv Felenraph—Presss Association PALMERSTON NTH., January 28. A statement that employers could not be allowed to hold up for an unreasonable period the hearing of the application by the Foxton woolpack and textile workers for an agreement in their industrial dispute when the workers’ representatives were ready to proceed was made by Mr M. J. Reardon, Conciliation Commissioner, at a sitting when the matter was set down for hearing. Mr S. I. McKenzie, on behalf of the employers, sought a postponement, stating it was not possible to submit counter-proposals because new machinery was being installed. The plant was being remodelled and it was anticipated that work would be completed about the end of June. They were opposed to the making of an award till the new plant was ready, and suggested that the representatives of both sides should arrange an adjournment. The Commissioner said he was empowered to take action to have the matters determined. It was not a question of arranging an adjournment; it was a question of the law of the land. It appeared that the employers had taken up the attitude that they were not prepared to obey the law of the country by nominating assessors and discussing the position. The effect was that the men were thrown back on their own resources and placed in a comparatively helpless position. It was decided to adjourn the proceedings to a date to be fixed. Four assessors were nominated by the employers.