CONFERENCE OF COACHBUILDERS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3050, 11 April 1917, Page 3

CONFERENCE OF COACHBUILDERS

THE LABOUR PROBLEM. The annual conference of tho New Zealand Coach and Motor Vehicles Trades' Federation closed yesterday. Mr. George Dash, having decided to retire from the position of president, Mr. H. A. Whitaker was elected .to fill the vacancy, and/took the chair. Highly complimentary references were made respecting the services rendered by the officers of the federation. The election of officers resulted in Messrs. John Lock (Gore) and D. H. Taylor (Wellington) being appointed vice-presidents. ■ Mr. E. C. Harvie was re-elected secretary, and Mr. R. A. Fuller was appointed auditor.

Labour Shortage. According to the statements made by delegates, coachbuilders are suffering from the prevailing shortage, of skilled labour. It was pointed out that in many of the departments of tho industry highly-skilled specialists are necessary, and as suoh men are no longer available, the output of vehicles is considerably restricted. It takes some time to train a man to work the' band or oircular saw, and so it is with the painter who puts the artistio finishing touchee to a vehiolo. It was further stated that some employers .were.finding it exceedingly difficult to complete certain contraots.of an essential charaoter. The discussion on the subject arose out of the following motion tabled by. Mr. H. A. Whitaker (president), and seconded by Mr. J. \V. Scurr. ' .

.■"Thatj with a view of counteracting the shortage of labour, a problem seriously affecting our business, it is advisable to petition the Efficiency Board to extend the hours of -work per week 25 pex cent, before overtime rates commence, also that provision bo made whereby apprentices employed In jbusinesses closed down through stress of war may be taken over by other firms, irrespective of the proportion laid down by the present award." The resolution was adopted. Votes of thanks to officers and others brought the conference to a close.