Shearers’ Accommodation Bill.

Kaikoura Star, Volume XIV, Issue 758, 24 July 1894, Page 3

Shearers’ Accommodation Bill.

Hon. Steward in moving second reading of Shearer’s Accommodation Bill, said provision was made by Govt in Factories Bill for what be desired, but he asked House to pass this measure in case of accident to Govt Bill. He gave instance of unhealthy sleeping accommodation provided for shearers, and said it was clear there was for proper inspection. R. Thompson characterised this class of legislation as * flapdoodle.’ Bnick said that by the Bill they were simply making station-holders, same as factory owners, sensible of their responsibilities. M'Gowan, whilst supporting Bill, said it would be disgrace to their legislation if they allowed to pass clause 8, which made distinction with regard to treatment of negroes and Chinamen. Minister of Labour, on behalf of Govt, urged House to pass Bill. M'Lacblan, Mills, Meredith, Hogg and Stevens spoke in support of measure. Buchanan had beard no general complaints about shearer’s accommodation,and police reports stated that accommodation in Wairarapa was good. There should be some definition of what was * sufficient accommodation.’ Second reading was agreed to.

Mr Buchanan is quite right in urging that there should be some definition of * sufficient accommodation’, but he is quite ignorant as to the disgraceful state of affairs on many stations in the Colony if he thinks there is no necessity for legislative interference. The station proprietors who have provided proper and sufficient accommodation have nothing to fear those who have neglected their duty in this respect should be made to remedy matters. Too long have many failed in this respect.— Ed. K. S.