THE PIDDINGTON PROTEST

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 119, 23 May 1932, Page 6

THE PIDDINGTON PROTEST

JUSTICE BIDDINGTON’S protest is an empty gesture. It is inappropriate and would have been indefensible, but the unsatisfactory position in which Mr. Justice Piddington finds himself makes his resignation from the presidency of the New South Wales Industrial Commission nothing more than a dramatic departure at the moment of inevitable exit. Mr. Justice Piddington’s original appointment in the first place was certainly not hailed with unanimous approval, but let that pass. He was appointed Industrial Commissioner for five years under the Arbitration Act of 1920. Under an amending Act of 1927 he became president of the Commission, with the right and status of a Judge of the Supreme Court. Under the Supreme Court and Circuit Act of 1900, a Judge is only eligible for a pension after fifteen years’ service. Definite provision was made by the Arbitration Bill, which the Upper House rejected, for the reappointment of Mr. Justice Piddington as sole Commissioner at a salary of £2600, and also that he should be entitled to one-third of the salary as a pension at the completion of seven years. Some trades unionists now consider that there should be three judges comprising the Commission. With Mr. Lang in office Mr. Justice Piddington must have entertained for the ex-Premier that sense of gratitude which consists of a lively expectation of favours to come. With the Governor dismissing Mr. Lang, Mr. Justice Piddington’s lively expectations are dispelled. In the phrase of the moment, Mr. Justice Piddington realises that he is to be “given the air.’’ A gesture on departure may be forgiven him. It may serve him well should Mr. Lang return to office. There’s nothing like a little political propaganda for short-term judges. Ask the Americans.