HINDU LABOUR

Auckland Star, Volume LII, Issue 279, 23 November 1921, Page 7

HINDU LABOUR

NOT TOO CHEAP. WORKIXn UNDEK AWARD RATE. '■"I think," said Mr. .1. \V. Poynton, S.M., -vvlion giving decision in a ca-se. this morning, "it is a disgraceful thing to take advantage of foreigners. It will mean having black labour putting Europeans out of employment unless the awards are strictly enforced." The case was brought by Mr. .1. Hollows, of the Labour Department, against. E. d'eorsy for alleged breaches of an award in respect to tea and luncheon room employees. Cases were also entered against two employees for having accepted less than the award rate. One was v Hindu r.amcd Bhikha. and the other I*. K. Williams. It was explained that as Williams had returned to India that ease would not be proceeded with.

Counsel for the defendant George admitted the breaches of award, and asked for lenient treatment in respect to the penalty, as the employer was quite prepared to pay the men what was in arrears under the award.

Mr. Hollows said there were really three charges of breaches of the award against the employer. riinee .IHily the men had worked 50 hours instead of 48 per week: in the time book the wage iiad been entered at £:> 10/ per week, "whereas the men did not receive that amount. Jeven was employed as second cook, and was entitled to £3 9/6 per week, but was only paid £."". There was a further charge of having failed to pay overtime.

Mr. Poynton imposed a pentvlty of 20/ an. the employee, and in .the ciise employer imposej £10 on each of the three charges, making a total of £30.