IS GOVERNMENT OR PRIVATE EMPLOYMENT THE SAFER.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 160, 8 July 1899, Page 3 (Supplement)

IS GOVERNMENT OR PRIVATE EMPLOYMENT THE SAFER.

IS GOVERNMENT OR PRIVATE EM-

PLOYMENT THE SAFER.

Under this heading, Mr John Burns, M.P., is writing a series of articles in the trade circular and monthly report of the United Builders' Labourers' Union.

From all the information available in reports, returns of riendly societies, and trade unions, he concludes that Government employment is much safer on the same class of work than that which prevails in 'competitive enterprise.

This shows itself in fewer deaths, fewer severe injuries, little permanent disable ment, and smaller number of Minor casualties. The greater safety Is due, he believes to greater space, better plant, more gear, less overtime, shorter hours., systematic testing and inspection ot plant, and that absence of driving and tearing which are conspicuous in too many similar private establishments. Almost the same condition of things, he declares, is reproducing itself in the sphere of direct employment by municipalities and vestries, both as to deaths and injuries.

A marked contrast prevails, he argues, among miners, railway men, shipyard labourers, gasworkers. ElswicK he particularly condemns, and contrasts It unfavourably in regard to safety of life and limb with the Government dockyards. "Evidently," he states, "tho eight hours day pays, and the price of a 15 per cent, dividend, as at Elswick, is not paid In life or limb at Woolwich."

He cites a labourers' union with 22,000 members, which had 52 deaths and 1034 accidents in 1.1)5, out of 9584 men engageo in shipyard, iron, steel, lead, chemical, and similar works.