WAGES AWARDS

Hokitika Guardian, 26 September 1930, Page 6

WAGES AWARDS

fßy Telegraph, Per Press Association^

WELLINGTON, September 25

The employers’ deputation to-day to Ministers regarding depression and wages awards was headed by Mr A. 0. Mitchell, who is the Vice-President of the New Zealand Employers’ Federation, ancl the other speakers were Mr Aeland, of Christchurch, representing the N.Z. sheepowners’ Federation, Mr J. S. Jessep, of Gisborne; Mr W. Morrison (the latter representing the Farmers’ Union), and Mr C. G. Wilson (representing the freezing companies).

Replying .to the deputation, the Minister of Labour, Mr Si G. Smith, said that he thought the deputation had made out a very strong case in a very capable manner, but, as this matter was entirely one for the Cabinet, he did not intend to discuss it further than to say that he was anxious to give the closest and gravest consideration to anything that was likely to solve the present difficulties.

SHEARER’S RATES

CHRISTCHURCH, September 25

“If the award rate for shearing is 25s a hundred, farmers should lie punished by law if they pay higher rates just as they would if they paid lower rates,.” remarked Mr H. G. Parish at yesterday’s meeting—of the Executive' of the North Canterbury Fariners’ Union. His suggestion' received little support. “1 do not think that is the way to attack tile problem,” said Mr W. W. Mullioliand.' “Wie 'are"- strongly, ’ opposed to the Arbitration Act, and lose no opportunity to advocate its ■ abolition. A sbeepowner: with any resources could hold his 'men once he' had engaged them. If they loft the shed before their work was finished they could be proceeded against, but ! see no way ■of altering the Act as Mr 1 Parish suggests.. It is-the chief cause' of unemployment in this country, and the sooner we got it wired off the' Statute book and have decent legfelA- : tion in its place, the better.” The chairman (Mr C. Mclntosh)'' said that if the sheepowner wanted, for some reason, : to pay morte', lie cbiild do so by way of >a'bonus;' v ; ?: Mr Parish: And then you are opening up the j whole question of whether or not the rates for shearers "should not be increased.

Air Mu lh oil and : We efirdt" do anything. It’s; the illogical award which should he done away with.

Replying to a question the chairman said that ther'ertvas ho "' Award rate for ci'utcbing. No action was taken.