The Bills which have been already approved in Parlia- ment
and await the country's approval are believed by Mr. Bruce tn give to the desire of the country for industrial peace a chance of fulfilment. At present, inconsistencies and chaotic conditions may prevail as the Commonwealth. Courts can only deal with conflicts between two States, although serious troubles might arise without any such conflict. This sounds reasonable, but the legislation also gives the impression that Australians have lost faith in free collective bargaining, which is a very serious confession indeed. On the question of State autonomy it is not for us to give an opinion. But it is obvious that the States (in particular New South Wales, which has always been especially suspicious of encroachment upon its authority) will see here some surrender of self- government to the central Commonwealth authority.
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