HEARING OF DISPUTES

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2452, 4 May 1915, Page 15

HEARING OF DISPUTES

ENGINEERS' DEMANDS SITTING OF THE ARBITRATION COURT When the sittings of tho Court of Arbitration were continued yesterday the Bench was occupied by His Honour Mr. Justice Stringer and Messrs. 13. F. Duthie (employers' representative) and J. A. M'Cullough (employees' representative). Evidence was heard in connection with the Wellington section of the dispute between the Amalgamated Society of Engineers and the employers. Mr. S. J. Elston appeared for the society, while Mr. W. Pryor appeared for the employers. The demands of the union were for a week of 44 hours, with wages at rates varying from lis. per day to 13s. 3d. per t day, leading hands to receive an additional 25 per cent .on these rates. Provisions were also embodied in tho demands in regard to overtime, holidays, night shifts, outside work, dirty work, piecework, termination' of engagements, apprentices, and preference to -unionists. Before the witnesses were called tho Court (following previous rulings) exempted the Wellington City Corporation, the Wellington Harbour Board, the Wanganui Harbour Board, and all employers, who employ engineers but who are not actually engaged in th& engineering industry. The question of exempting the Manawatu Cycle and Motor Mechanics' Union from the operations of tho award was not decided, pending hearing of argument at a later date.

An application for exemption from the preference clause of any new award was made by the Australasian Institute of Marine Engineers. . His Honour, after hearing what the parties had to say in regard to this matter, suggested that it would be far better for all concerned if the two societies oould arrive at some working arrangement. Mr. Elston said ho would approach the marine engineers with a view to a conference.

After the witnesses on both sides had been heard, the dispute was adjourned as evidence has still to be heard in Dunedin and Auckland. A COMPENSATION CASE. In the case in which Elizabeth Drew, widow, of Wellington, claimed compensation from the Wellington City Corporation for the death of hor husband, William John Drew, the City Solicitor (M;\ J. O'Shea) stated that liability was admitted. Deceased, while employed by the corporation on August 14, 1914, met with an accident which resulted fatally. There was no dispute as to the amount of. the claim, and judgment was given for £469 14s. 3d.,; made up of £427 balance of compensation (£468), and £42 14s. 3d., medical and funeral expenses. Mr. E. J. Fitzgibbon, who appeared for the claimant, was allowed five guineas costs and disbursements. An order was made that the amount.of compensation should he paid to the Public Trustee, TAXI-CAB DRIVERS' DISPUTE. The taxi-cab drivers' dispute is to be called on. Friday next. The Conciliation Commissioner has forwarded recommendations to the Court, and it is probable that only one or two formal matters will remain to be settled on Friday.