FLAX CUTTING DISPUTE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2771, 14 August 1924, Page 4

FLAX CUTTING DISPUTE.

MINIMUM FOR. SIDE-LEAF CUTTING.

DECISION REFERRED TO ARBITRATION.

Some time ago the secretary of the Flax-workers’ Union asked the feronee to fix the rate for cutting flax by the sideleaf method. The millers replied that it was too early to fix the rate, because the work done up to that time was regarded as experimental, and further that only one or two millers were cutting side leal:. Therefore, they did not think that a useful purpose would be served by having a conference until more was known about the matter. The men’s representative referred the dispute to the Inspector of Factories (Mr .J. Lowden), and on May 3 representatives of the liaxworkers and the Flaxmillers’ Association met in conference, the Inspector presiding. As a result of that inditing evidence was collected on which the Inspector of Factories gave his decision. This was not acceptable to the millers, and they have referred the dispute to the. Arbitration Court. The millers elami that the rate suggested, LG/71 per ton is far too high as a minimum compared with the minimum rate of 7/- per ton for cutting by the old way and would make the new method of cutting unprofitable.

Those millers who had started the side-leaf method would ho compelled to revert to the old method of cutting.

The clause in the Wellington District Flaxmill Employers' Award, under which the matter was referred to the Inspector of Factories, and subsequently to the Arbitration Court, reads: "hi the event of new mnehinorv being introduced into any flaxmill, or new process, of manufacture being adopted which alter the nature or amount of work necessary in connection with any operation in the manufacture of hemp, the rates of pay for such work shall h« arranged by mutual agreement between the Employers' Association and the Union. Failing such arrangement the matter shall he referred to the Inspector of Factories for the district, and if his decision is not acceptable to either party the matter shall be referred to the Court of Arbitration for settlement.”

It is interesting to record a comparison between the two methods of eat ting. The side leaf (or pruning) method was commenced in January, 1023, by one firm and was later taken up by others. By this method only the mature leaves are cut, three being left to each fan—the youngest, and the two on either side. The method enlnls more labour than cutting by the old way and considerably more tram line. By the old method the whole of the leaves from the root were cut by one motion Just above the crown, but by the side leaf method, two motions are necessary on each fan in order to avoid damage to the leaf. As against this, it is claimed that the plant will yield DO per cent, more leaf under the side leaf cutting, this enabling millers to pay more per ton for cutting this way, than by the old. II: is still a "moot point as to which system is the more profitable to the grower in the long run, and the qhestion as to whethe/ the new method will be continued by those who have already adopted it, and whether others will take it up depends entirely upon the ultimate cost of carrying out the work. In fixing the rate of 10/74 per ton as the minimum, the Inspector of Factories stated that lie considered that tin side leaf process should hear the same ratio to the price fixed for hook culling per ton) as 237.2 d hears to 101). He was guided by the evidence adduced and went mi to say that as the process had only been in operation for a period of twelve months at most, main of the men engaged bad had only a limited experience, not exceeding in some eases, one month and these might reasonably be expected to become more 1 pro lie rent in the method of side-leaf cutting with longer experience, and further that the flax growing in the swamps was expected to improve in hoth quality and quantity. ft was provided that the present decision might at any time during its currency be reviewed by either party, subject to one months notice being*given to (he opposite party so as to provide for any abnormal condition of the market that might arise, increased efficiency in cutting, or other relevant causes.