I.—9a

A. PARLANE.]

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to it. Section 55 :We ask that the stable-work which is now being done for nothing shall be paid for. We would sooner that the whole clause be struck out and that fifty-two hours should cover everything, but in the event of the Committee not agreeing to this we ask that the next paragraph (which provides for overtime) be applied to this, with the exception that the overtime be at the rate of time and a half instead of time and a quarter. We strongly protest against any driver having to work for less overtime than any other assistant gets by this Act. If a driver is to be classed as a shop-assistant we think that drivers should get the same rate of overtime. The work of an assistant who is a bread-carter is far harder work than the work of an ordinary shop-assistant; they have to run up hills, collect money, and have much responsibility. 6. You know that clause 43 prevents a man keeping his assistants more than fifteen minutes after the prescribed time? —Yes, but 55 overrules that. Clause 55 provides that they can be employed a greater number of hours for the purpose of feeding horses. 7. Your first statement was in favour of allowing the Arbitration Court to fix the hours?— No, I did not mean it in that way. Ido not see why the Arbitration Court should not fix our hours. 8. Would you advocate the principle in all trades?—No, I would not. I would advocate this : that where a union asks the Court to fix the hours the Court should do bo.