TIMBER WORKERS.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18129, 19 July 1924, Page 4

TIMBER WORKERS.

CLAIM FOR HIGHER WAGES. (special to "thb press.") GREYMOUTH, July 18. The Arbitration Court to-day heard argument in the dispute between the Greymou.h and Hokitika Sawmillers* Guild and the West Coast Timber Workers' Union. Mr B. L. Hammond appeared for the former and Mr P. U. Turley for the union. Mr Turley said that a settlement had been arrived nt on all points except wages. It was not his intention to argue the question from the standpoint of the cost of Mr Hammond objected to several of the arguments used by Mr Turley in his address, stating that it was not the sawmillers intention to plead poverty. Mr Turley pioceeded that the largest companies on the Coast were paying the smallest wages. The Judge said that there was no necessity for the Court to go into the question of the financial arrangements of the various companies, as such arguments were completely irrelevant. Mr Turley said it was necessary to deal with these matters in order to show that the industry was well able to pay what the Union was asking, and without passin" a penny of the additional outlay on to°the public. He submitted a schedule showing the increases in the price of timber since tne minimum rate ot wages was 16s 2d per day. All equipment used in the industry had decreased in cost, but the price per 100 feet of timber had increased from 13s to £7s to 16s to 41s. A return was also submitted showing that timber prices on the West Coast were higher than elsewhere, and comparison was made with the _wages, paid in the coal and gold mines. It was contended that aawmiliing was the most dangerous industry of the three mentioned. Insurances were much higher in the timber industry than in coal mining. Patrick Donnellan, of Nelson Creek, sawmiller, said Jiat 16s would be a fair minimum rate of wages to establish for timber workers, and efficient sawyers who attended to their saws should be paid SI 10s a W ToMr Hammond: His estimate was based on a fair experience of the industry, but he could get plenty of men at a. lower wage. Labour costs on every 100 feet of timber cut at his mill had nevet been estimated accurately. Thomaa McGuire, of Kamaka, sawmiHer, said that his mill was capable of putting out from 8000 to 10,000 feet per This, output could be attained comfortably in good bush and with about 28 men employed. He considered 16s per day was a fair minimum late of wages, and he paid 17s. Ihis opinion was arrived at after a very fair experience of the industry. •To Mr Hammond: His mill was paying its way, although there was no profit. He started with no capital, but was to-day worth a considerable sum. Peter John H.ggens, of Landing, sawmiller, said he was paying a minimum rate of 19a per day, and his timber had to be carted over a bad stretch of road. These wages were paid only to those he considered were efficient workmen. He considered that 16s per day was a satisfactory wage_ for a competent mill worker,-but men without experience would not be worth that amount. The freight was 3s Id per 100 feet on timber railed from Inangahua Junction to Groymouth. _ ... To Mr Hammond: He was cutting white pine, and the timber was hauled over al-out half a mile of tramway. His experience was in the mam confined to the conditions at his own sawmill Hu"h Smith, of Matai, sawmiHer, said that he paid a minimum rate of 16s per day, and he thought this amount a fair wage for an average man. _ _ . Othex evidence" was given by Iran* Buchanan, engine driver, Thomas Growcott, bushman, and James Goodall, secretary ot the .Engine Driveis' Union. ... Mr Ha/umcnd said an attempt had been mode 76 bolster up a claim- which could not be sustained, for him to de»cnbe Mr lurley's address in accuarte terms would render him liable to a charge of contempt of Court. The evidence tendered was ridiculous, and required no rebuttal. It was most unusual that employers should give evidence against their own industry, and the evidence should be regarded with suspicion,' as it was probably given on subpoena or in collusion with the Union. The witnesses had not been in the industry long enough lo incur h«avy overhead charges. Their employees had to be more versatile, and theiefore could demand a higher rate of wages. Mr Donnellan was an employer who was a working partner and was unfamiliar with any costing system. It would be distinctly to his advantage to force other employers to pay a higher wage. In view of the favourable conditions under which timber, was produced at his mill, McGuire was not making enough out of his business to pay for depreciation Other witnesses had refused to state what was a fair minimum w-ge. The increases granted to engine drivers in the mines had not been obtained through the Court. Any increases given to sawmill workers must be passed on to tha public, who, in turn, would be obliged to pay higher house rents owing to the increased building costs. Mr Turley alßo addressed the Court at length, and decision was reserved.