SHEARERS' ACCOMMODATION.

Taihape Daily Times, 17 May 1919, Page 6

SHEARERS' ACCOMMODATION.

WELLINGTON, May 15. Hon. Hemes, Acting-Minister of Labour, authorised Mr F. W. Rowley, secretary of Labour, to make reply to the allegation made last week by representatives of the A.P.U., that the Department did not give adequate attention to the accommodation of shea'ei'.s Mr Rowley states that a groat deal more inspection has been done during the past five years than was ever done before, and ii U a noteworthy fact that more complaints had been received during that time than previously. The staff of the Department was reduced by enlistments, or nv.icl: mo;'e could have been and-3 •taken. Mr Rowley suggested early in 19.14 that two inspectors should be appointed, specially to deal with shearers' accommodation. Owing to the war, no appointment was made till February last. Mr Rowley adds: During the past season, 125 requisitions for impswenieiits to accommodation were made by the Department. These are awaiLng compliance. He also ment; mod that many cases complained of K.fcr to the employment of Maoris. Most of these men hiring their wives and families. This complicates the matter, as there is naturally no obligation for an employer to provide accommodation for shearers' families. Mr Rowley expresses the opinion that as a result of the appointment referred to, and the prospect of an amending act being brought into force shortly, an improvement may be looked for.