ENGLISH WOOL MARKETS

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 305, 18 September 1920, Page 10

ENGLISH WOOL MARKETS

[Reo. September 17, 7.80 p.m.)

London, September 16. It is understood that Australian wool' growers by the end of October will have received thirteen millions sterling,

Bradford tops market is quiot. Sixtyfours, Odd. to 93d. per lb,; SB's, 63d.; 50'e, aid.; dG's, 32d. The Liverpool wool saleo were good. Merinos were unchanged. Eaulties and crossbreds were irregular, and there wcro heavy withdrawals—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn. BOOKBINDERS' DISPUTE $ BEFOIIE CONCILIATION COUNOIL. The Conciliation Council was occupied yesterday in hearing a disputo in connection with the Wellington printers' assistants (females), who were cited by the Wellington master printers, lithographers, and bookbinders. The commissioner (Mr. n. Newton) was in the chair, and the assessors were: For the employers: Messrs. i. Pirani, L. Whitcombe, and C. M. Banks; for the employees-Mr. C. H. Chapman and Misses A. Downoy and 0. Waddington. The proposals filed by the employers were for a working week of 45 hourß, with the following minimum rates of wajjes:— For all females engaged in any branch of the printing trade: First six months, 17s. 6d.; second six months, £1; second year, £1 55.; third year, £1 10s.; fourth year, £1 155.; thereafter, £2 55.; overtime at the rate of time and a half for the first three hours and double tiino thereafter. Provision was made for double time for all work performed on the eight statutory holidays allowed. As regards piecework it was submitted that payment be sufficient to enablo workers to cam not less than 15 per cent, .above the minimum rate of wages provided. It was asked that the award remain in force for two years. The counter-proposals filed by the union stipulated a-working week of 40 hours, with the following minimum rates of pay for all females engaged in auy branch of the printing or cardboard box-making trade :--First six months, £1 7s. 6d. per week; second six monthß, .£1 10a.; third six months, £1 155.; fourth six months, £2; third year, £2'55.; fourth year, £2 155.; thereafter £3 55.; work done on statutory holidays, double the above rates. Overtime was sought at the rate of time and a half for the first two hours; thereafter double time. It was also asked that one week's holiday on full pay be allowed all workers each year. As regards piecework rates were demanded to enable workers to earp.2o per cent, above time wages, with payment for waiting time. The union desired that the award remain in force for a period of twelve months. After discussion between the parties an agreement was reached with regard to certain machinery clauses, and further consideration of the questions relating to wages and hours was adjourned till October 6.