UNSKILLED WIREMEN
“DANGER TO LIFE AND PROPERTY” STRICTER SUPERVISION NEEDED That only skilled and experienced electricians should bo allowed to interfere with the wiring in theatres and picture shows was the opinion expressc! U. E. Swindell, secretary of the Wellington Industrial District Electrical Workers’ Union, in tlie Arbitration Court yesterday. ."Wo intend to have more strict supervision oyer the wiring and electric light installation in theatres and picture shows," remarked Mr. Swindell. "We consider," ho added, "that the recent big fire in Auckland was probably caused by unlicensed men tampering with the installation. Something will have to be done. These unskilled electricians are a danger both to life and property. One can imagine what a dreadful thing it would have been had (he audience been present at tlie time of the outbreak.” Mr. Justice Frazer: That is a matter that is covered by regulations. Surely it is the duty of the Public Works Department to see that they are administered ?
Mr. Swindell: We have to get a conviction first. His Honour: But the Public Works Department has its inspectors. Mr. Swindell: We want them to come under our jurisdiction so that the work will only be done by skilled and experienced men. "Even then you would only tiave a very indirect control oyer these unlicensed men,” observed His Honour. "The principal thing,” he added, “is tho enforcement of the regulations.” Mr. B. L. Hammond, who represented tho Employers’ Association, said that tho employers denied that unlicensed men were allowed to tamper with the wiring. Mr. Swindell: I beg to differ. I have seen them do itHis Honour: Matters concerning the Public Works Department come within mv province, but 1 can quite safely say' that if you find anybody doing wiring work you would lie quite within your rights in the Department to take notice of it. * “We have done that,” replied Mr. Swindell, "but, unless there is a funeral, no action is taken.” His Honour: I am sorry I can t afford to stage a funeral for you. (LaughtCAfter further discussion, Air. Justice Frazer said that the question would come up for discussion when the .application io bring tho theatres within the award came before the next sitting ot the Court. <
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Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 64, 9 December 1926, Page 10
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371UNSKILLED WIREMEN Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 64, 9 December 1926, Page 10
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