THE DRIVERS' AWARD

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10712, 18 September 1912, Page 5

THE DRIVERS' AWARD

BEFORE THE ARBITRATION COURT. (By Telegraphy—Press Asgociatioe ' WELLINGTON, Last Night. Tlie Arbitration Court resumed its sittings to-day. The Drivers' Feder ration applied for an universal award. The demands were for a week of 47ihours, including the time occupied in attendance on horses, cleaning harness and vehicles, "and booking in time. A minimum wage was asked as follows: One bor.se, £2 14s; two horses, £2 18s;, and -Is per week for each additional horse; casual labour at the rate- of Is 6d per hour, and overtime Is 9d nor hour. Preference to Unionists was also asked. Twenty-two witnesses were called for the Federation. For the employers, Mr W. Pryor said that, although in many cases the drivers were busy for the first two days in the week, the- teams were often standing idle during the remaining four days. The. drivers must have their week's wage, but other restrictions were asked to be removed. The employers wished the wages to remain practically the same as in the last award. The preference clause was objected to. The Court was asked to limit tho scope of the award, as it would be a hardship to many firms who employed drivers if they were brought under the. award. The Court adjourned till the morning.