PAINTING TRADE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXVI, Issue 152, 29 June 1945, Page 7

PAINTING TRADE

REGISTRATION MOVE

CONFLICTING OPINIONS

While alarm was expressed this morning by an Auckland builder at what he stated was the declared intention of the Government to put through an Order-in-Council requiring painters to register, the secretary of the Auckland Guild of Master Painters, Decorators and Signwriters, Mr. N. Martin, said: "We consider this a step in the right direction." The builder declared that the effect of the registration of painters would be to increase the cost of building considerably besides restricting building projects. "I personally think the present Government is pushing too many things through by Order-in-Council, instead of coming into the light of day and promoting a bill in Parliament," he added. "Nowhere in the British Empire is the registration of painters required. The proposal for the registration of painters is am. attempt to make a close corporation, and if that is permitted similar moves will be made on behalf of carpenters, bricklayers and others. It is difficult enough now to get anything done, and registration will have the effect of making things more difficult." The builder explained that the registration of painters would not only increase the cost of painting but would restrict the amount of work done. For instance, a man would not be allowed to paint his neighbour's house if he was undertaking the work for profit. The present difficulties in the building of houses were not all due to a shortage of manpower. There was a good deal of apprehension on the part of builders over rising costs. Such apprehension, he said, would not be allaved by the proposal further to restrict the trade by requiring painters to register.

Support For Proposal Mr. Martin said the suggestion for the registration of painters came from the Painters' Union, and it had the support of his organisation. "The registration of painters will not only afford protection for the public," said Mr. Martin, "but will tend to raise the trade to a higher standard. There are some clauses in the draft proposals, however, that will need more serious consideration. In view of that, we have set up a special committee to consider various angles of the registration proposals. The committee will report to the executive which, in turn, will forward the views expressed to the Painters' Union." . The object of the proposal, Mr. Martin explained, was to see that all those connected with the trade were qualified workmen. There was quite a number of men engaged m the trade to-day who, six weeks ago, were blacksmiths or other artisans. As soon as the trade became busy there was an influx of tradesmen of all sorts. Mr. Martin scouted the idea that this phase of supply and demand of painters would have the effect of increasing building costs in the event of registration bemg necessary "We have definite schedules of charges for all branches** the trade, he isaid." and these areeoverned by the Price Tribunal, Mjsjot by the question of supply and <temand.