THE ARBITRATION ACT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16635, 18 January 1922, Page 7

THE ARBITRATION ACT.

MR H, T. ARMSTRONG’S VIEWS. Mr H. T. Armstrong, rrho credited in yesterday’s “ Star ’ with., f x " pressing the opinion that the abolition of tho'Arbitration Court would be a good tiling, absolutely denies that he holds such views. “All I said to the reporter. said Mr Armstrong this morning. “ was that I was not prepared to offer any comment at the present time. I absolutely deny the statement that in my opinion it would be a. good thing if the arbitration system were done away with altogether.” LOCAL UNIONS. MEETING CALLED FOR SATURDAY. A meeting of union secretaries and representatives was held at the Trades Tta.ll this morning, presided over by Mr H. Worrell, president of the Canterbury Trades and Labour Council, to consider the proposed amendments to tho Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act. It was decided to recommend the Canterbury Trades and Labour Council to summon a meeting of delegates for Saturday night, the meeting to bo open to representatives of unions who wish to attend.

It was further resolved :—“ That this meeting of trades’ union secretaries and others views the proposed amendment of tlio Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act as a travesty on democratic prinicples. and if the Government persists in forcing its proposals we are determined to obtain justice lor the men we represent by all the means we can command.”

A telegram was read from Mr E. J. Howard, M.P.. stating that the Minister of Labour had agreed that evidence on tho proposals should be heard by the 'La-1 jo ur Bills Committee on Tuesday, and suggesting tllat, each district should send one delegate to give evidence.