BUILDING TRADES

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2609, 3 November 1915, Page 2

BUILDING TRADES

A REVIEW

NEW ZEALAND FEDERATION The annual meeting of tho New Zealand Federated Builders and Contractors' Industrial Association, of Employers commenced yesterday afternoon. The following officers and dolegates wore present:—President, Mr. N. Meuli; vicc-presidcnt, Mr. J. H. Maynard; fcxecutivo committee, Messrs. W. H. Bennett (chairman), A. Campbell, W. L. Thompson/A. M. Wilson; treasurer. Mr. P. C. Watt; secretary, Mr. \V. A. W. Grenfeli, Representatives: Auckland, Messrs. 6. Baildon and W. Sands; Canterbury, Messrs. J. IJ. Maynard and \V. Groig; Dunedin, Messrs. C. W. Wilkinson and J. Knox; Hawkc's Bay, Messrs. J. Griffin and K. Beecham; Palnierston North, Mr. F. Sollitt; South Canterbury, Mr. A. Kennedy; Southland, Mr. W. Ricldell; Wanganui, Messrs. P. Wansbrough and J. J, Meuli; Wellington, Messrs. H. -Mainland, A. Campbell, and W. L. Thompson ; Gisborno, Mr. W. Ward. The report for the year ended October 31, referred to negotiations with representatives of the Amalgamated- Society of Carpenters and Joiners. After conferences, an agreement was signed and presented to the Arbitration Court in Dunedin for confirmation. "The provisions of the agreement respecting the allowance of ljd. per hour for tools and the clause relating to nndor-rate workers were considered the most vital and important clauses of the agreement, but tho Court refused to confirm them, and made an award which included all the other clauses of the agreement, some of which contained distinct concessions of the men."

Ernest representations were mado to the Government urging the amendment of the Wages Protection and Contractors' Lieu Act ill the direction of affording better protection to contractors' interests. The promise had been given by the Prime Minister that an amending measuro would be brought before Parliament. Although the committee had not succeeded in securing tlio introduction of a comprehensive measure dealing witli the whole subject, successful efforts were put forth to have clearly-dbfined what constitutes "completion of contract," within the moaning of the Act. Owing to the ambiguous wording of Section 59 of the Act, and to an opinion expressed by a Supreme Court Judge, certain owners and architects claimed that contractors were not entitled to payment of the full amount of contract (less 5 per cent, for maintenance) until the expiry of the maintenancei • period, and retained 30 per cent, of- the contract price for four months. This interpretation was causing serious loss and hardship to a number of builders.

*t is noted that the executive is satisfied that, on the whole, the present general conditions of contract have proved of great value to the trade and the general public, and although there are some omissions and deficiencies in them tlioy nevortheksrj are affording contractors a measure of protection and recognition of the rights of the trade not previously obtaining iu the Dominion. Tlio term of five years for which they were settled has now expired, and they aro again open to revision should either architects* or builders call for'another conference.

Iu conclusion, tile report expressed sincere sympathy with members who had relatives in the firing line or amongst the wounded. To the president and vice-president, whose soub •have been wounded heartfelt sympathy was extended. Master builders of New Zealand were most proud of tlio glorious history New Zealand 'soldiers have made and are mating.