THE ARBITRATION COURT.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 November 1920, Page 8

THE ARBITRATION COURT.

SITTING AT NEW PLYMOUTH. BONUS QUESTION DEFERRED, A sitting of the Arbitration Court was held at New Plymouth yesterday, Mr. Justice fStriger presiding. The other members of the Court were Messrs. J. A. McCullough (employers' representative), and Wm. Scott (for the employees). APPLICATIONS FOR BONUSES. The Bakers' and Pastrycooks' Union appeared first on .the list of applicants for the cost, of living bonus. Mr. J<\ ,T. Lyons appeared for the union, and' Mr. C. 11. Wynyard for the employers. The president remarked to the union representative: "You know, probably, that we have been postponing these applications uii'til the test case is heard in Wellington." The president intimated that all the eases would he deferred, and after the Wellington ease the Court would make such order as they thought lit. Other applications for bonuses which were also deferred were made by the Taranaki Carpenters' and Joiners' Union, New Plymouth Motor Car and Horse Drivers' Union, Tailors' and Tailoresses' Union, and the Grocers' Assistants' Union. PAflt OF FEMALE GROCERS In 'connection with the award governing 'the grocery trade, the Union's representative (Mr. A. L. Monteath) stated that the Union had requested him to bring under the notice of the Court the position in respect to a bonus order made 011 April 111. Under the award there was 110 difference in the rate for mule and female employees, but the April bonus of Cs was given only to the males and nothing was granted to the females. The Union desired reconsideration of this point, and also asked that it be considered when the latest bonus was 'being awarded. For 'the employers. Mr. Wynyard en- ' tered an objection. They contended Hint though there had been no differentiation in the rate for males and females this question should be dealt with on the basis that females should not receive as much as males. The president: In any case they would not receive the same. The bonus is calculated on'the case of a man, wife and family. Mr. Monteath pointed out 'that the award was based on a recommendation of the Conciliation Council of equal pay for equal work which the parties agreed to and accepted. 11l rerilv to the president. Mr. Monioath said 'the female assistants had got 110 consideration at all in the April bonus. The. Court intimated that the matter, would be noted. THE FURNITURE TRADE. The Taranaki Federated Furniture Trade Workers (Mr. C. S. Ciittam) made application to have the following iirms brought under the provisions of the Cab-inet-makers' award: —N. A. Christiansen, furniture dealer; Webster 8r05.,! furniture dealers; W. J. Martin, furniture dealer; and Boon Bros., undertakers. In 'the ease of Boon Bros, and Webster Bros., objections were lodged by the firms, and were upheld.