I.—7a

57

THE GOVERNMENT CONTRACTORS ARBITRATION ACT, 1872.

The Bill as originally drawn, and sent to the Government Printer for printing on the 25th July, 1872.

GOVERNMENT CONTRACTORS' DISPUTES SETTLEMENT.

ANALYSIS.

Title. Preamble. 1. Short Title. 2. Interpretation. 3. Disputes between Government and Contractors to be referred to decision of Judge of the Supreme Court. 4. Statement of matter in dispute to be settled and signed. 5. Procedure thereon. 6. Judge to fix day and place of proceeding with reference. 7. Either party refusing or neglecting to state case, Judge may proceed ex parle. 8. Where dispute between Engineer and Contractor, to be referred to the Minister. Notice to Minister. 9. Judge may direct how inquiry to be carried on. 10. Judge may adjourn hearing.

11. Judge may hear evidence. Require production of plans, &c. 12. Judge may direct inspections by skilled persons. 13. May obtain opinions of engineers, &c. 14. Parties not attending, Judge may proceed ex parte. 15. Parties may appear by counsel or solicitor. 16. If Judge thinks fit, he may direct facts to be found by a special jury. 17. Judge to give a certificate of his decision. 18. What may be stated in certificate. 19. Certificate to be filed in Court. 20. Effect of certificate. Execution may issue thereon. 21. Costs. 22. Penalty for non-attendance as witness, or for neglect to obey order of Judge. 23. Procedure of Supreme Court to be applicable. 24. No appeal from Judge's decision.

A BILL INTITULED An Act for settling Disputes occurring between Contractors and the Government of the Colony, and for giving Jurisdiction therein to the Supreme Court in certain cases. WHEREAS under the provisions of certain statutes that now are and may hereafter be in force, authorizing the construction, erection, and maintenance of public works in the Colony of New Zealand, disputes may arise between the Government of the colony and the persons contracting for or undertaking the construction, erection, or maintenance thereof, and it is expedient that provision should be made for summary and final settlement thereof : Be it therefore enacted by the General Assembly of New Zealand in Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows : — 1. The Short Title of this Act shall be " The Government Contractors' Disputes Settlement Act, 1872," and it shall come into operation on the passing thereof. 2. In the interpretation of this Act the following words and expressions shall be deemed to have the meanings hereby assigned to them, unless it shall appear from the context that some other meaning should be assigned thereto : — The word " Minister " shall mean and include not only the Minister for Public Works appointed under the Act hereinafter mentioned, but also any person for the time being acting as such Minister, or on behalf of such Minister: The words " Chief Engineer " shall mean and include not only the officer styled the Chief Engineer, but also the Assistant Engineer or any other officer for the time being acting for the Chief Engineer, or in the like capacity: 15—1. 7a.

Title.

Preamble.

Short Title.

Interpretation.