WORK AND WAGES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 231, 4 November 1909, Page 3

WORK AND WAGES.

FURNITURE WORKERS IN CON- - FERENCE. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Wednesday. At the Furniture Workers' Conference, Mr, W. Idy presiding, consideration was given to the Bill drafted by the Hon. Mr. Guinness entitled the National Sick and Accident Bill. The general feeling of members was adverse to the provisions of the measure, holding that while it was all right in the case of . constant workers, it would be inoperative for a large number of casual workers. Amendments to the Workers' Compensation Act could, it was thought, best meet the case. The motion to that effect was passed unanimously. The conference decided to ask for an amendment to section a of the Workers' Compensation Act providing that compensation for accidents should b e paid from the date of incapacity, and that workers should be freed from liability for medical attendance. The delegates deputatiouise the # Premier to-day.

DEPUTATION TO AIR. MILLAR. Wellington, Last Night. A deputation from the Furniture Conference laid Ibefone the Minister for Labor a number of matters discussed at the conference. Replying Mr. Millar admitted there was a defect in the law concerning dismissal of workers, and he proposed to make amendment iu the Arbitration Act. He was sorry to hear the Labor Department had refused to proceed with certain cases reported, and lie would see the chief inspector concerning the matter. He would look into the question of registration of partnerships. Regarding the payment of compensation for incapacity during full time, as asked by the deputation, the Minister said ninety per cent, of accidents were of a nature which nid not incapacitate the worker for seven days. If the suggested amendment was made, premiums would go up considerably, and the goods produced, would rise in price proportionately. In these circumstances it was touch and go whether the imported or locally-made article would hold the market.

FRUITGROWERS IX CONFERENCE..! Wellington, Wednesday. Delegates from the various fruitgrowing associations in Xew Zealand met in conference to-day. Mr. Sisson (Canterbury) was appointed chairman. The Hon. T. Mackenzie, speaking at the conference, referred optimistically to the future of fruitgrowing in New Zealand. At present the Dominion was sending •£182,000 annnally out of the country lor fresh fruit, much of which could be grown here. The Department hoped to give assistance to the grower in the matter of export, development of canning factories within reasonaMe reach of Tail or water carriage, co-operative experiments, and affording facilities for the establishment, of special fruit settlements.

Wellington, Last Night. The Fruit Growers' Conference resolved that the Government be requested to allow the importation of German owls as an u;i.Ujie to the small birds nuisance; that a deputation wait on the shipping companies suggesting Improved methods of handling fruit; that the Government be asked to provide sufficient ventilated ears for the proper carriage of fruit, and that it be given pre-1 ference of despatch over non-perishable goods; that thorn hedges within five! chain o." growing orchards should come under Hie Orchard and Garden Pests Act; that the registration of orchards from one tree upwards should be compulsory; that all fruits should be sold under registered brand, provided registration docs not cost more than five shillings; that inspectors' should have a definite and move limited area than at present, and lint for the better enforcement of the At. members of fruitgrowers' associations should be asked to give inspectors, either directly or through their seerelaries, every assistance in carrying out their work.