CONCILIATION COMMISSIONERS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2401, 16 January 1909, Page 5

CONCILIATION COMMISSIONERS.

POLITICAL LABOR LEAGUE'S OBJECTION.

[Press Association.]

AUCKLAND, Jan. 15

The Political Labor League has .passed a •resolution protesting .against the (appointment of Mr. Ha tie Giles as Conciliation Commissioner. and is arranging a mass meeting on the subject for Saturday niglht.

STATEMICiN'T .BY THE HON. J. A MILLAR.

WELLINGTON, Jan. 15

'Some further details in connection with the appointment of Conciliation Commissioners were given to a “New Zealand 1 Times'” reporter by tire exMinister. of -Labor (the Hon. J. A. Millar). “What is the salary attached to the office?” queried the. pressman, and Air. Aliltar named £SOO per annum, .adding that the two Commissioners took up their-duties immediately. “Where are they to lie .stationed?’’ is another question which greatly interests the industrial world, and the Minister when asked if he would enlighten it on the subject, replied that this had! not been settled definitely. “There might bo a third appointment,” he continued. “At first it was thought, that two Commissioners would be sufficient, but it was considered doubtful .whether three would have to take up the work. Personally I favor appointing three, but thl.it is one of the questions for my colleague, the.new 'Minister of Labor, to inquire into and decide.” “"Wiliat ever happens.,” continued Dir. -Millar, “the Commissioners will have 'well defined work, so that they can get closely into touch with 'industrial afiV.rs and secure uniformity of awards. When the products of an industry are intorchangoabb! you must keep the conditions, of manufacture such as wages and hours, approximately the same all over the Dominion ; otherwise there is an unfair advantage to one district or another, a position wo seek to -prevent.” “Then the Commissioners will keep in close touch with each other?” he was asked. “Yes, hut if an agreement has to be made (affecting the same industry throughout tlhp country, such as exists among the seamen and bootmakers., it will be for the Arbitration Court to hear the evidence. These arrangements have so far,..been mutually agreed upon between the employers and the workers.. Lti is a <lt rt ieate and important experiment, but I feel that the whole thing will work out successful! I .v. It lies practically in fine hands of the Co-ncillatioh Commissioners; if they show thet. and judgment it will he a .success.