ARBITRATION COURT

Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14775, 14 October 1921, Page 5

ARBITRATION COURT

STABILISATION OF WAGES,

THE SCHEME TO STAND

By Telegraph.—Press Association,

WELLINGTON, Thursday,

At a special sitting of the Arbitration Court this morning a telegram was received from Mr McCullough that he is unable to take his seat for two or three weeks. Mr Justice Fraser stated Mr J. Reardon, acting-member, had been summoned in Mr McCullough’s stead. Mr Justice Fraser, referring to the stabilisation pronouncement, said he did so as there appeared to be doubt in some quarters as to whether the Court w'ould be able to continue the scheme until April next. He would say that with nearly half the year gone members of the Court had every reason to believe that unless something very unforeseen occurred the scheme would stand until the end of that period. In one or two industries the rates of wages had been higher than the Court’s standard rates, and there was a possibility that applications for reductions might be made, but the Court would require the clearest and strongest 'evidence that the present rates could not be maintained until April, 1922, and no reduction would have the effect of bringing the wages of workers below the Court’s standard rates for workers of similar grade working under similar conditions.

IVIR MCCULLOUGH’S POSITION

“STILL THE SAME.”

BETRAYAL OF WORKING PEOPLE

CHRISTCHURCH, Thursday,

Interviewed in regard to the Arbitration Court, Mr J. A. McCullough said: “My position is still the same as when I resigned- Through ray resignation I alienated the support of many unions throughout the country, but I resigned because I believe there was an absolute betrayal by the Court of the working people. If the unions do not understand my position I cannot help that. If I went back the people would think I said one thing and meant another.” Commenting on the position of Mr Reardon in the freezing dispute, Mr McCullough said it was hypocrisy to object to Mr Reardon .acting. A man must be connected with some union before he,was nominated, and for years Mr Scott was secretary of the Otago Employers’ Union, also the employers’ representative on the Court.