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Hokitika Guardian, 30 August 1923, Page 2

Thk Apprentices Bill intiodmed into the House last week, which it was not intended to go further with during the recent session, applies to those employers (and their apprentices) who -ire at. the time of its coming into opeia--1,1011 hound by an award ol the. Arbitration Court or an industrial agreement. regarding apprentices. The IDII does not. apply t.o females, excel i in such eases t's are directed lay Ihe Court, which is also empowered to exempt students of university or other educational institutions, nor decs it apply to any apprenticeship contrail that has been in force for a period exceeding two years at the linn* when the Bill would otherwise apply. Where the parties agree to the appointment of an apprenticeship committee it shall have the same powers as il set up by the Court, which may exercise the function of appointing an Apprentiieship Committee on its own motion, or the application of any person inteii.sted. Toe 'Committee shall compuise an e<|iial number of representatiie.s of employers and employees, with such other persons as the ( mil l may direct, or the parties agree, upon. The Committee shall not he allowed tees, except in special eases. As soon as practicable alter the coming into force ol tlti' Bill the Arbilraitlou Count may make orders concerning wages, hours and conditions ol employment of apprentices, the proportion of apprentices, and their period and minimum commencing wage. Ihe ( <>uit. has powers which include cancellation of contract, prohibition ol un]>loyn:ont, transfer of apprentices, facilities of acqiiiiing knowledge of their industiy. period of probation, attendance of apprentices at. technical school, examination of apprentices, inspection of apprentices at tliefr work, and determination of proportion ol apprentices to journeymen. The Conti, may delegate its powers (with the exception of lixing of wages etc.), to the Committee. There shall be the right, of appeal from the decision of the omniittee to the Court. The Bill also provides for a register of apprentices to he kept by I.ahouir Department officials, insepetors of factories, etc. Contracts must lie in writing, and if the apprentice is under twenty-one, must lie signed 'by the parent-or guardian. Officials to be known as district registrars of apprenticeship are aurhorisod to jeviow contracts and to reluso registration, the right, of appeal t»'• he Court being, however, conceded. Contracts entered into prior to coming into operation of the Bill shall be registered. Either party to the contract his the right ol registration, but the initiatihe is expected from the employers. The Bill provides for heavy penalties. There is a fine- not. exceeding £•>() lor ii breach by employers and n similar fine for inducing or procuring any party to ii contract- to commit ao\ orcach. Tlioro is a provision tor joint contracts of apprenticeship. Two or more employers in any industry in the same locality may enter into a contract of apprenticeship with the same apprentice or apprentices, subject to the . pproval of the Court or the Committee, who are also empowered to approve ol special apprenticeship contracts, in the ease of adults already in possession of knowledge or skill in any industry. Attaining the age of 21 years does lot give the right to cancel a contract, and parents or guardians are bound during the minor period. Contracts may, however, be cancelled by either party to them during the period of probation. Power is given for the relief of employers from apprenticeship contracts in ease of slackness of work, subject to investigation of the circumstances by the district registrar or Committee. Appeal to the Court is allowed as in other cases. The headteacher, on being requested by the registrar, shall forward to the parent or guardian a report regarding the standard c.t education of the child, bis attainments and aptitude, and' any other matters deemed relevant. lo do this the head-teacher is required to watch cnrefeully the progress of each child in the upper classes. If employers desire the establishment of an institution for the training of young persons in any industry, the Court may order that the employers in. the industry and locality shall contribute to the cost. Such institution may become a registered school. The Court mav specify the method of ascertaining the* cost of such institution and Hie procedure to be adopted for its collection.

The local body representatives were not very unanimous about the tunnel celebrations at their meeting on Monday night. The bogey of finance obtruded, and the Borough representatives appeared to be alarmed by some menacing surcharges in relation to a former Ministerial visit. But if we are in earnest in expressing our pleasure and gratification about tlio completion of the through railway, then a .ittle jubilation will be well timed. This district can afford to rejoice over the opening of the line. It will derive more diiect benefit than any other part of the Coast. And the more vi-i----tors which can ho brought here to see and bo seen, the better for our u'tirnato progress. It is at least satisfactory that the meeting looked with favor on the proposal to give the school children an outing. That will bo assured when tile Bailway Department can run the excursion. As to a town celebration that is contingent on the pleasure of visiting Ministers and the ability of the local bodies to foot the bill. But it was explained nothing extravagant was intended nor contemplated, and no doubt when the time comes round, the right thing will he done by the local bodies in the fight wav. Hokitika has a reputation in that respect.