22 SEPTEMBER 1928, Page 3

Now the Federation has ignored the awards and ordered a

strike. The new law is certainly a drastic instrument which exposes employers and trade unions alike to heavy penalties for violating an award, but it is obvious that the Government will stultify its whole policy if it does not insist upon the law being obeyed. The Federation after calling the strike quickly thought better of it, but the members are out of hand and in many cases have refused to -obey the order of their leaders to return to work. The Attorney-General has issued summonses against the Federation. Meanwhile the employers are trying to engage non-union labour. * *