OUT OF HARMONY.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 125, 27 May 1919, Page 5

OUT OF HARMONY.

MUSICIANS' TTICION DISPUTE. BEFORE CONCILIATION COUNCIL. A sitting: of the Conciliation Council was held this morning, Mr. T. Harle Giles, Commissioner, presiding, to deal with a dispute filed by the Auckland Performing Musicians' Union of Workers. About forty were cited, including the Opera House, theatres, picture theatres, racing clubs, bands, orchestra proprietors, refreshment rooms were orchestras I are engaged, as well as committees of military and other bands. i The assessors for the union were Messrs. IJ. W. Carleton, G. F. Cater, and W. H. Webb, with Mr. J. Adeane an advocate. The employers' assessors were Messrs. : Bert Boyle (J.C/W., Ltd.), Hy. Haywood j (N.Z. Pictures, Ltd.), and Robert Cleland I ('National Picture Co.). The union's demands were that the award should apply to performers employed to play or operate musical instruments, whether mechanical or otherwise, at skating rinks, public or private dancing assemblies, in refreshment rooms, and in connection with dramatic performances, variety entertainments, picture entertainments, shows, circuses, operatic comedy, musical comedy entertainments, and engagements at outdoor and indoor performances. The wages asked were as follow:— dramatic, operas, comedy, travelling, vaudeville, etc., while performing in Auckland: Musicians employed be paid not less than £3 10/ per week for six performances of two and a-half hours each. Musicians shall be paid not less that one-sixth the weekly wage for each ' extra performance of not more than I two and a-lialf hours. When touring the ! rates shall not be less than £6 per weak for each performer; for each matinee one-sixth the weekly wage. All per- | formances to be not more than two and a half hours at picture entertainments. ! Musicians shall be paid not less than J£3 10/ per week for six performances of ! two and a-half hours each. Musicians I shall be paid not less than one-sixth the weekly wage for each extra performance ■of not more than two and a-half hours. Permanent vaudeville: Musicians shall be paid not less than £3 10/ per week for six performances of two and a-half hours each. Musicians shall be paid not lees than ome-eixth the weekly wage for all extra performances of not more than two and a-half hours. Operators of self-playing machines to get not less than £3 per week, ekating rink 2/6 per hour for day sessions and [ not less than 10/ for niglvte of not more than 2i hours; races, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., i£l each, 12.30 to 0 p.m. 15/, 1.30 to 6 'p.m. 12/J6, bandmaster £1 1/ extra; garden parties 12s, bandmaster 7/0 extra, I harbour excursions and sports 0 a.m. to G p.m. 15/, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. 12/, 7 p.m. ,'to 10.30 p.m., 10/ each; dancee 8 p.m. Ito 11 p.m. 10/ each with 5/ extra for bandmaster, 8 p.m. to 12 p.m. 15/ each, ( 5/ per hour afterwards; refreshment . rooms 2/G per hour and not lees than 5/ per day, after 7.30 p.m. 5/ per hour; wedding breakfasts, dinner and card parties or performances in drapery establishments 12/ for not more than 2$ hours. The employers' counter proposals were present rate of wages, operators of mechanical instruments not to be included in the union at all. Two weeks' holiday per annum if desired, without pay, substitute to be provided. It was also stipulated that the secretary of the union shall not be allowed to in- ; spect the theatres' wages book. In the : event of the theatres being closed on j account of epidemics, fires, or by public bodies, employees are not to be paid for the time so lost. Mr Tom Vivian secured exemption for the Ponsonby Boys' Brass Band on tho ground that it did not enter into competition with professional musicians. Mr Morrow asked for exemption for his orchestra on the ground that it wae purely composed of his own family. He ■never tendered for work; it all came to him privately. Mr Adeane said as long ac Morrow's orchestra was paid for its services it should come under the award. This wan also the view of Mr Royle and Mr Hay ward. Mr Giles said he would reserve his de- ! cision upon this application, as it was i possible, being all ono family, Morrow's I orchestra was exempt. ' The council then went into committee.