I.—7a.

66

No appeal from Judge's decision.

to such proceedings; and witnesses summoned to attend such reference, and parties thereto, shall be subject to the same liabilities as witnesses in and parties concerned in the trial of an action in the Supreme Court would be subject to in like cases : Provided that nothing in this or the preceding section contained shall be held or construed to render any witness or party liable to any penalty or proceeding in any of the cases therein mentioned, unless such witness or party shall have been duly summoned or had notice to attend such reference, or may have been required to do or omit to do some act in the like manner in which he would have been summoned or required to attend as a witness in a civil action in the Supreme Court as aforesaid, or if a party might be required to do or omit to do some act in any such action as aforesaid. 22. No appeal shall lie from any decision of a Judge given under or in accordance with the provisions of this Act, either to the Supreme Court, or to the Court of Appeal, or to any other Court or tribunal, but every such decision shall be binding, final, and conclusive on the parties concerned in or affected by any such reference.

The Bill as further revised (called the Second Revise), and sent to the Government Printer for amendment and reprint on the Ist August, 1872.

GOVERNMENT CONTRACTORS ARBITRATION.

ANALYSIS.

10. Judge may hear evidence, and may require production of plans, &c. 11. Judge may direct inspections by skilled persons. 12. May obtain opinions of Engineers, &c. 13. Parties not attending, Judge may proceed ex parte. 14. Parties may appear by counsel or solicitor. Judge may adjourn proceedings. 15. Notices, &c., how to be served. 16. Judge to give a certificate of his decision, and what may be stated in certificate. 17. Certificate to be filed in Court. 18. Effect of certificate. 19. Costs. 20. Penalty for non-attendance as witness, or for neglect to obey order of Judge. 21. Procedure of Supreme Court to be applicable. 22. No appeal from Judge's decision.

A BILL INTITULED An Act for referring Disputes occurring between Contractors and the Government of the Colony to the decision of a Judge of the Supreme Court, and for giving Jurisdiction to such Judge in certain cases therein. WHEREAS certain statutes now are in force within the Colony of New Zealand authorizing the construction, erection, and maintenance of railways and other public works in the said colony : And whereas other statutes may from time to time hereafter be in force for such and other like purposes : And whereas disputes may arise between the Government of the colony and the persons contracting for or undertaking the construction, erection, or maintenance of such. "ilways and other public works, under the provisions of such statutes, and it is -jdient that provision should be made for summary and final settlement of disputes : it therefore enacted by the General Assembly of New Zealand, in nt assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows :—■

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

Title.