TELEGRAMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 5 August 1920, Page 4

TELEGRAMS.

[JCXH FIIICHB ASSOO* 4TION. OOPVIUGnT.| GROCERS’ ASSISTANTS. WELLINGTON, August 4. The grocers’ assistants’ dispute is before the Arbitration Court to-day. Mr McKean, for the union, said that the hours were the longest worked in any trade, being 52 per week. There had been no reduction sinoo 1912. Grocers’ assistants in Now Zealand, particularly in Wellington were working longer hours than any other shop assistants in Australasia. The average number of hours in other shops was 48. The President of the Court pointed out that there was an amendment to the Shops and Offices Act, now before Parliament.

All' MoTvcen agreed, but pointed out that the workers were in a. dilemma, between the Court and Parliament. The union found in conference with the employers that the employers were sheltering behind the Shops and Offices Act and the Court had been inclined to take the same view. The President said that the Court had jurisdiction to grant shorter hours hut it did not care to exercise that juriswiction in face of a special Act. Me suggested that the Legislation should not fix the hours of work in shops, but the times for opening and closing. The Court reserved its decision re garding the hours of work, wages and weekly half-holiday.

BAKERS SEEK INCREASE. WELLINGTON, Aug 4. In Hie Arbitration Court to-day it was announced that the employers in the baking industry had intimated that they were prepared to grant 4s a week Lo employees over and above any bonus the Court' might grant. This makes the total bonus 10s a week.

FOUND “NOT GUILTY.”

DUNEDIN, August 4. In the case in which Helen Glegg was charged with the nvurder of a girl named Olive May Pile, through the performance of an illegal operation, the Jury returned a verdict, after 50 minutes’ absence of “not, guilty,” The same accused was charged with intent to procure the miscarriage -of Rose Williams, in that she wrongfully used an instrument or other means. The case was only partially heard when the court adjourned. IMMIGRATION. PREMIER’S REPLY TO CRITICS. WELLINGTON, August 1. The Prime Minister made a statement regarding a case to which reference has been made by Labour members in the House of Representatives and Labour representatives outside. The Labour allegation is that two war widows who came out in the Corinthic were stranded in Wellington and had to spend two nights in a shed on the wharf. The official statement is as follows:

(1) Passengers were Mrs A. with four children, and Mrs B. with two children TTiey were sisters and neither was the widow of an Imperial soldier, Mrs B. being a returning New Zealander. They were strongly advised by the High Commissioner not to proceed to New Zealand,- and they hooked their passages at full rates through the shipping company, their fares being paid by their father in London.

(2) On «rival in Wellington on April 10th., the Oorinthic was boarded by Immigration Officers, and all information was supplied and assistance given. Neither Mrs A. and B. required assistance or accommodation. They remained on hoard until April 13th., when the vessel departed, and they then called at the Immigration Department. Accommodation was given immediately, and work offered at 8s a day. Within 24 hours a cottage of three rooms was offered to them at 15s a week. Both work and cottage were refused. Mrs A. was possessed of £27 and expecting proceeds of sale of furniture from London. (3) These passengers were not assisted immigrants, and had nothing to do with the Government. They had an uncle and aunt at Stratford.

A PROBABLE AGREEMENT. WELLINGTON, Aug 5. Representatives of Bealey Tunnel workers interviewed the Minister for Public Works to-day regarding their dispute with the Department. They emphasised the difficult nature of work and stated they were willing to try the new contracts rate offered them by the Department, if the Minister would give them a guarantee of a minimum wage of £1 per day. The Minister originally made the proposal that they be paid 223 s per foot. The men asked for 2355. The Minister now offered 2245, with a guarantee of 20s per day for two months. He also offered a ten per cent bonus to all who see the work through without delay. In case of sickness or their having to leave work for any bonafide reason he proposed that the bonus be five per cent.

This offer is to be submitted by the deputation to the Union, and the deputation will wire the decision of tho Union to the Minister. Meantime the men are continuing to work at tho 14s rate.