FACTORIES BILL.

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 19892, 22 May 1936, Page 8

FACTORIES BILL.

UPPER HOUSE PASSAGE. DISCOURAGING OVERTIME.' (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Friday

The Legislative Council met at 11 a.m. The committal of the Factories Amendment Bill was moved by the Leader, the Hon. M. Fagan, who said that the Bill followed as a consequence to the amendments made to the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Amendment Bill. It was the aim of the Government to discourage overtime as much as possible. The Hon. F. Waite (Otago) doubted whether the number of dairy factories to receive benefit from exemption in the Bill would actually be the number which the Government estimated.

Replying, Mr Fagan said the Government thought that because of the improved conditions that would ensue from the guaranteed price the owirers of factories would be able to stand up to any difficulties.

W T hen the Bill was in the committee stages, Mr Waite moved to Increase the exemption for a very small factory. Mr Fagan said that though he could not accept the amendment he would be prepared to have an inquiry made as to whether there would be any financial hardship, and, if so, the amendment could be brought down in the House.

The amendment was lost on the voices.

The Hon. J. McLeod (Taranaki) moved to delete the clause which stipulated that wages were not to be reduced on account of reduction in working hours. The amendment was lost on the voices.

Mr Waite asked whether newspaper employees employed on Sunday would receive double time.

Mr Fagan replied that everybody employed on Sunday would receive double time.

The amendments made by the Labour Bills Committee were incorporated in the Bill, which was read a third time and passed.

The Council adjourned at 1.10 p.m, till Wednesday.