BUILDERS’ AFFAIRS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2134, 17 July 1907, Page 1

BUILDERS’ AFFAIRS.

Press Association. WELLINGTON, Yesterday. A deputation from the New Zealand Builders’ Federation waited upon the Acting-Minister for Public Works today, and asked the Government to adopt the conditions governing Government contracts agreed to at a meeting of the builders and architects held at Timaru some tiino ago. Tho deputations also brought forward the question of conserving the native timber areas. The Minister said he would require to peruso the conditions of. contract before giving any definat’e reply, hut speaking generally they would appear rather a large order. Regarding native timber areas! bo said the Government recognised the necessity of conserving all timber supplies. The same deputation afterwards waited on the Minister for

Labor and asked for a capitation allowance to enable apprentices to : attend technical school classes. Tlic Minister said the Government were spending an enormous sum on tecli-

liical education, and did not know where tho present trend of tilings was going to land them. The Minister also pointed out that education was compulsory up to 14 years, and the deputation was now practically asking the Government to make it compulsory up to 21 years. Ho asked if tho employers proposed, to give any time for the hoys to attend technical classes. Mr. Bennett, President of the Federation said that point had not been considered. The Minister said consideration must : ho given to the whole matter before a decision was arrived at.