22 AUGUST 1908, Page 2

The extra work thrown on the Magistracy by the new

pro:

posaL it is pointed outs would certainly deumul a substantial

increase of its numbers. Finally, the unsatisfactory results of the adoption of the minimum wage principle in the old Act have led to a new but permissive provision distinguishing between a " fieeds" wage and an " exertion " wage. The Bill, which has been referred to the Labour Bills Committee, has been most unfavourably received by Labour representatives, Mr. Rigg, a member of the Upper House, describing it as the most tyrannical measure ever introduced by an English- speaking Parliament. Compulsory arbitration is freely admitted by Liberals to have proved a failure, and further and more draatio State intervention bids fair to aggravate the dissatisfaction already caused by the existing Act.