The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 1900. CLAUSE 39 OF THE FACTORIES BILL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 189, 1 August 1900, Page 2

The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 1900. CLAUSE 39 OF THE FACTORIES BILL.

» Considerable consternation baa been caused throughout the colony by the circulation of the" new Factories Bill, clause 39 of which provides that all engines exceeding five horse-power be driven only by a certificated eng >u\ Anyone who knows anything of the colony knows that, in every direction, there are dairy factories, sawmills, wood yards, and other useful industries which will be compelled to close down if this clause is rigorously enforced, It is really surprising how the Government came to allow such a clause to be inserted in a measure bearing the approval of the Cabinet. There is little doubt but that it is an attempt on the part of some member of the Institute of Engineers to make the profession a close corporation. The absolute absurdity of the clause is very apparent, and it is gratifying to learn from the Premier that the clause will either be withdrawn or so amended as not to interfere in certain cases thai have been brought under the notice of the Government. It would be more satisfactory, however, if the Government would make more careful enquiries into the operation of proposed provisions before, or while, Bills are being ■ drafted. The introduction of Bills con- , taining such oppressive clauses is very disturbing to those embarking their capital in local industries. Thore are ! in Taranaki many men who are en-]; gaged in driving engines who hold no ] certificate, and who probably would ' find it difficult to pass the necessary '. examination. Yet these men—factory ,

managers and others working in the various mills, etc. —can take theii engine to pieces, effect small repairs, and are in every way competent to look after the machinery under their control. To insist on only a certificated engineer being allowed to drive the engine in many of these cases would mean an increase in the expenditure of an entirely unnecessary and unreasonable nature. Where a large number of operatives are employed no doubt some restrictions are necessary, but the restrictions should be so carefully drawn is not to crush email, but valuable, industries.