REGISTRATION OF PAINTERS

Hokitika Guardian, 6 August 1930, Page 2

REGISTRATION OF PAINTERS

REQUEST TO MINISTER. MOVEMENT^AGAINST “SLAP DAB” HAND. WELLINGTON, Aug. 4. Registration of painters so as to prevent the. “slap dab”, brush hand and inexperienced man trespassing on the field of the legitimate tradesman was tsoughb by a deputation representing employers and employees in the painting trade which waited upon the Minister of Labour,, the Hon. ,S. G. Smith, to-day. The Minister promised to goyimmediately into the repto him and place the matter before Cabinet.

The deputation was introduced by Mr P. Fraser, M.P., Wellington Central. ..; - V

On behalf of the master painters, Mr R. L. Tingey, Wellington, said that for a long time they had urged the registration of painters. The employers were..jiowr getting all kinds of hands, such men from ships, who seemed to step into the- painting trade from other callings. These men through time and force of circumstances came to ibe recognised as tradesmen, although they had not served at the trade. • *

The. Minister: Then one would have to employ a licensed painter in the same way he engages a licensed plumber, ..

•“That is exactly what we want,” replied Mr Tingey: Mr W. Nichols, Wellington, who also spoke for the employers, said that what they wanted to do was to build up the.i.status of the trade. It was only fair to ask the Government to give the men engaged in it more prestige, seeing the, interest it took in the work, of, the apprenticeship

eommittees..'.,:,'•' / The secretary of the Painters’ Federation of (Employees,. Mr F. D. Cornwell, said the ; federation agreed ontiHv with - the employers in the request for registration. After the initial register had been compiled no one would. ; be;'registered who had not worked at. the trade live years or served an apprenticeship. Provision would be made in the way of examinations for those coining from overseas, who sought registration as

painters. , The Minister, said ho had not previously heard of the proposal. “I will look into ,the question at once and then take Cabinet.” said Mr Smith, ‘fits decision will be conveyed to you without any undue delay. Whether legislation will he introduced thip session J cannot say.”