The Star. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1903. THE ARBITRATION ACT.

Star (Christchurch), 6 February 1903, Page 2

The Star. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1903. THE ARBITRATION ACT.

The dissatisfaction created by the administration of the Arbitration Court which has: manifested itself on more than one occasion during the past year, found expression again yesterday. This time again it wa-s the workers who complained. A deputation of Trades Unionists waited on the* Premier at Wellington: and made a series of complaints against the working of the Coiirt. Their chief complaint was against the delays which have arisen in notifying awards, and we have no doubt they were able to cite man 3- instances of delays wherewith to support their complaint. They appear to have found a sympathetic listener in tiie Premier. Mr Seddon promised to make inquiries into the cause of the delays, and he also expressed himself strongly with regard to certain other complaints which have been . made with regard to the working of the Act, This promise is- timely. There are several defects in the administration of the law which have been apparent for some considerable time, and which, if it can be helped, should not ba allowed to continue fliny longer. One of these is the delay which formed the subject of the ccmplaiiit made by yesterday's deputation, and another is in the difficulty which has arisen in enforcing awards. The second matter Avas also referred to yesterday, and hero again the Premier spoke with ho uncertain sound. With respect to taking proceedings for breaches of awards, he told the deputation, he thought this should be done by someone oxitside the Union, and that the Government would have to appoint some outside authority, neither Unionist nor employer, nor anybody under the control of either. This might be found to provide an effective ; solution df the difficulty. That some remedy will have to be devised is clear, but in finding one we hope that the Government will not interfere with the general system of the Act. Wo are glad to notice that the Premier absolved the president of tlie Court from any responsibility for the faults <if administration which have been urged* against him. Mr Justice Cooper has been confronted with A singularly difficult l:i>k,n.nd it is no fault of his if lie has not executed it to the complete satisfaction of cither employer or worker. The work is beyond the power of one man, aad ifc is no reflection on Mr Justice Cooper's ability or energy that it lias fallen into arrears. For the sake of the good natne of the Act, either Mr Justice Cooper should be afforded assistance, or the work of t-lie Court should.beso reorganised as to remove the reproaches which have' been levelled at' it.