22 AUGUST 1908, Page 2

The provisions of the new Compulsory Arbitration Bill introduced by

the New Zealand Government are given in Thursday's Times by its correspondent at Wellington. Under the new measure, which is of a most drastic nature, heavy penalties are imposed on strikers, whether they belong to Trade-Unions or not, and special penalties are provided for in respect to strikes in certain industries affecting public health or safety. A new departure is also taken in the section providing that any Union of workers convicted of aiding, abetting, inciting, or instigating a strike shall have its registration suspended for a period not exceeding three years. Unions and Associations committing a breach of award are to be subject to a penalty of £100, and workers to one of £5 each, for every such offence. Councils of Conciliation, consisting of the local Magis- trates and two Assessors, are to be appointed instead of the old Conciliation Boards, and above these will be the Court which, on the hearing of any dispute, is to be reinforced by two Assessors appointed by the parties to the dispute.