WORK AND WAGES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 223, 26 October 1909, Page 3

WORK AND WAGES.

MINERS' DEPUTATION TO THE PKKAIIKK. .by Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, October 25. A deputation from the Miners' Conference waited on the Prime Minister today in support of the resolution carried at the recent conference. It was stated that the miners were thankful to the Cabinet for taking up the stand it did last year on the question of medical examination. No doubt its action was responsible for preventing one of the greatest revolutions the country had ever known.

Mr Joseph Ward, in reply, said he ■was glad that those connected with the industry appreciated the action of the Government. One of the most important questions raised by the deputation had reference to ventilation in mines. He thought the suggestion that a Koyal Commission should be set up was a good one, and the Government would favorably consider the proposal. He did not think the Government would be justified jn continuing the system of giving a guarantee to back the State Insurance Department in covering risks agaiust pneunionioconiosis'. It was intended to bring down an amendment to the Act ■which would mean the striking out of the clause relating to pneumonioconiosis, and would also abolish the system of medical examination in the case of all miners over lti years.

TRADES AND LABOR COUNCILS. Wellington, Last Night. Tne annual conference of delegates from Trades and Labor Councils throughout the Dominion opened to-day. The executive's report stated that in vie.y of the replies received to the circula-, the executive did not feel justified in proceeding with the scheme for general federation of labor. Unemployment and defence were the most important questions to come before the Conference.

The Conference approved of the proposal to hold an all-British labor conference in England next year, and resolved to ask Mr. J. Thome (now in England) to represent New Zealand. It was decided to wait on the Minister protestfag against the remarks by an Auckland Magistrate recently makii? allegations against the secretaries of unions.

COOKS AND WAITERS. Wellington, Last flight. A deputation containing representatives of~Bix unions taking part in the Trades and Labor Conference asked the Minister of Labor to-night for Hover lmen support in passing a measure ensuring a weekly day of rest for hotel employees. It was mentioned that Mr. Fisher had a Bill dealing with the question. Mr. Millar said he could not support Mr. Fisher's Bill, because it practically amounted to a piece of class legislation for the benefit of hotel employees. He mentioned that there was a large number of occupations involving Sunday work, but he wanted to see something practical done, and had prepared a Bill enabling male hotel servants to work W hours a week and females 56. A halfholidav could be accumulated for three months, when a full week's holiday on full pay was to be granted. If an em- j ployee was dismissed before that time j he would be paid overtime rates for all | holidavs he had not received.

The secretary of the Cooks and Waiters' Union said tliey would be prepared to work 05 hours weekly and have the full day.

The Minister said that made it easier. In order to obtain evidence, he would agreed to the second reading of Mr. Fisher's Bill pro forma and its reference to the Labor Bills Committee.