GRADGRINDISM.

Observer, Volume 5, Issue 131, 17 March 1883, Page 419

GRADGRINDISM.

" A Factory Girl " writes : — " Sir,— There are •certain factories in Auckland in which the employes are not allowed any interval tor meals as prescribed by law, half an hour only being allowed for dinner. Some of the girls are not over-strong for the work, and, living a distance from the factory, cannot get a regular meal. They are also kept hard at work during nine hours out of the twenty-four. Could you help to right the wrong through the medium of your independent paper ?" The law upon the question is distinct, out has hitherto been practically inoperative owing to the inability of Sergeant G-amble s the officer appointed tinder the Employment of Females Act in Auckland, to secure a conviction against offending employers. Eight hours are the maximum period during which any female or child may be employed in any factoi'y, and a notice specifying the hours of employment must be posted up in each room of the factory. The penalty for a breach of the Act is a fine not •exceeding £50. The obstacle to securing a conviction is the repugnance of the sufferers ■themselves to giving evidence. They are ready enough to give information to the •police, but when called upon to give evidence in ■ open court, shrink from a course which may involve dismissal from their employment, " and vprobably cause them to be marked as informers. If the law is being evaded to any serious extent, Sergeant Gamble should bestir himself to make a -severe example.