SHEARERS' ACCOMMODATION.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 May 1919, Page 2

SHEARERS' ACCOMMODATION.

i k DEPARTMENT'S REPLY TO ALLEGATIONS. By Telegraph.—Press Association, s Wellington, May 15. j The Hon. Herries, acting Minister for (Labor, authorised Mr P. W. Rowley, secretary of Labor, to make a reply to t the allegation made last week by repre- - 3[ sentatives of A.PwU that the Depart--1 >.nent did not give adequate attention to ' the accommodation of shearers. Mr r Rowley states that a great deal more inspection had been done during the past five years than was ever done before, and it is a noteworthy fact that more com- , plaints had been received during that . time than previously. Th» staff of the 1 Department was reduced by enlistments or much more could have been undertaken. Mr Rowley suggested early in 1914 that two inspectors should be ap- . pointed specially to deal with shearers* accommodation. Owins to the war no application was made till February last Mr Rowley adds that during the past season 125 requisitions for improvements ; to accommodation were made by the Department. These are awaiting compli--3 an«e. He also mentioned many eases " complained of referred to the employment of Maoris. Most of these men r bring their wives and families. This complicates matters, as there is naturalIv no obligation for an employer to provide accommodation for shearers' formr lies. Mr Rowley expressed the opinion that as a result of the application ref ferred to, and the prospect of the amending act being brought into force shortly ? improvement may be looked for.