TAILOR CHARGED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 127, 1 June 1938, Page 11

TAILOR CHARGED.

BREACH OF AWARD. \ INELASTIC LEGISLATION. . i S.M. DISMISSES INFORMATION. i . (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) NAPIER, this day. The consequences of inelastic legislation were illustrated during a prosecution in the Hastings Magistrate's Court when a tailor was charged with employing too many apprentices in proportion to journeymen, although the prosecuting inspector admitted it was impossible for defendant to secure sufficient journeymen to enable him to comply with the award. The inspector of awards. Mr. W. J. Rovdhousc, said that defendant, J. Pell, had committed a breach of the award. He admitted it was practically impossible for defendant to secure journeymen for his business, but the award stated clearly that only a limited number of apprentices in proportion to journeymen could be engaged. Mr. J. Miller, S.M.: The object of the award, of course, is to protect the journeymen, but it docs not look as though there is any protection here beeauso there are no journeymen to protect. Mr. Roydliouse: I admit the position is difficult. Mr. Miller: }f there is no protection necessary, why the prosecution? This man has to carry on his trade, and if he cannot get journeymen then he must get others. He suggested that the inspector might withdraw the prosecution under the provisions of the Act which covered instances where a matter could be termed excusable. Predecessor Transferred. Mr. Roydliouse: I have, no authority to withdraw. I have just taken the case over from my predecessor, who has now been transferred. Mr. Miller:' Well, we cannot stop trade. Mr. Roydliouse: No. We must admit that there is no desire to do so. Mr. Miller: Are you satisfied that the position is as stated. [ Air. Roydliouse: Yes. J Mr. W. S. Averill (for defendant): It : is quite impossible to get journeymen. Six were recently brought across from Australia because of the shortage ' throughout New Zealand. : The magistrate decided to dismiss the action on the grounds that there was a .' reasonable excuse, but he made it clear that in the event of journeymen becom--2 ing available the defendant would have J to comply with the award.