WHOLESALE CLOTHING TRADE.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 485, 19 April 1909, Page 3

WHOLESALE CLOTHING TRADE.

. . AN AMICABLE SETTLEMENT. The award under which the wholesale clothing manufacturers work, ' expired on April 9, and, , in order te fix a now award, representatives of the association from Dunodin, Christchurch, and Wellington, met representatives of the workers from those towns' at a conference in Wellington last week. ; .' ' . . It was agreed that Mr. Patrick Hally, Conciliation Commissioner for the district, should preside. \ ' , The first meeting was held at the rooms' of the Kmployers' Association at ;. Woodward Street on ■ April 15. Amongst, the employers' representatives were Messrs. Peter Hercus (Christchurch}, president of , the association, and Mr. Charles 8. Spaule (Dunedin), secretary. On behalf of the employees were the Hon. J. T. Paul, M.L.C., president of the union, and Mr. R. Slater (JJunedin), and Mr. Darcey (Christchurch)., . -.■'■■■'. It was agreed' to submit a new award to the. Arbitration Court for confirmation, for a period of three years; the principal clauses: of' the old award remain,; i.e., that th'e minimum wage for joumeywomen remain at 255..-a week, that of the pressors at 555., and that no limitation be imposed regarding apprentices. It was agreed that ■15 hours as before should be the hours of labour for a week. With regard to the cutters and trimmers, who wished to come under an award, no agreement was arrived nt, because it was thought unfair to make any arrangement for these workers in Dunedin, Christchurch, and Wellington, when such is not'being done in Auckland. All other workers in this ; trade are under an award in the four centres; ,but no application for an" award has come from the Auckland cutters' arid trimmers. . , ; ..'"., ! Tbe proceedings were marked by good feeling throughout. Mr. Hercus pointed out that this award affected over a thousand workers, and it was pleasant to know that such an 'amicable feeling prevailed, and that it was possible to come to terms without coming before the Arbitration Court. He thaiiked the employees on behalf of tho Manufacturers'' Association, for giving the opportunity to settle these matters in'conference, which was always the most satisfactory method. The Hon. J.< T. Paul, on behalf of the employees, expressed their satisfaction at tie way in; which the employers had mot the workers in conference. This had always proved to; bo a satisfactory way of dealing with'their interests, and with .Mr. Hercus : Ko,hoped'that the present good feeling would prevail during the next three years. Mr. P.. Hnlly, the chairman, said that it had given him pleasure to he-present at tho conference, and see hoiv. amicably tho agreement was made. The cjbthing industry wasorie of the most important in the Dominion, affecting, a(i it did, so many workers. He congratulated both sides on the agreement, arrived'at. " .'"■-■'

' On the motion of Mr. Hercus, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. Hally for tho tact and officiency with which ho presided over. the proceedings. Tho conference then adjourned to the Hotel Windsor, where tho employees were entertained by the employers at -tea, thus bringing the. conference. to a pleasant conclusion.