PLUMBERS.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 19851, 12 February 1930, Page 9

PLUMBERS.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE. Wam. IN CHRISTCHURCH V TESTEBDAY. Afiaaul conference of the New WttWdeation of Master Plumbers *P«rf-ia yesterday, when tftoa oetegttes, representative of vari- *• ?«ti of toe Dominion, were present. I Jfr C. W. / Oborn (Christchurch), FWnttt of the Federation, occupied * «Wr; Mr W. Ceeil Prime was sec««7, ud Mr D. L Maedonald assist- **» Delegates Welcomed. ft« jwtMent called upon Mr F. J. £"MP«MeBt of the Christchurch jS" to welcome the J2«w extended a hearty welcome, "»3FUMU the hope that the busig"""j »t tie conference would be of gwwtonly to the master plumbers, JJj??».People of the Dominion in JwJiJi?!"* ll (Wellington) replied "»«Wfof the delegates. ' »• Mayor Speaks. *° the delegates a welJgjs (Sty, the Mayor (Mr J. K. jTW* "W He would not keep them 2'2i* **■ Bnre the y were buß y ygSj**t«d to get on with the ***Tmi i e inference. He was £«2?fa *° ** a^e *° welcome them, l,jjSfe|Bod weather. The summer *fri*»** *h*m, and those present ■■iSSf.y* 'wnstomed to seeing the *hvd to see it in Christl?v< ffonghter.) The Mayor said jJSRgo tot plumbers, like other ESES& * impossible to get all I** i2r Une » some » he su P' Prepared to take all the ijjgl*"* wave others to do the a good deal in the h'M±j!*yb to good plumbing. »w!j**Jsh to talk politics, but e to teU them that he kiS'S? 0 / that there seemed to *ijT««ttexion between lead pois- - < Lau Chter.) If ■N*T .?*?* *° be Prohibitionists. L 7-«« IsoaM ve the lead He one authority who, s investigations, had ion that lead poisonwith liquor, and said k plumbers were relemonade in preferronger. (Laughter.) tanked the Mayor « lad given them. hat Mr Archer had •d poisoning and »ed not necessarily m which he had ex--4 not always agree iher said. (Lnugheriously, the chairhout good plumbing M"munity would sufreeognised that in calling to its present ' lot to municipal nal report for the 31st, 1929, stated & pleasure in re-nce-sheet of the satisfactory credit liabilities amountPhe executive felt ion of the Federafh to warrant the «d per head levy

as was done by the previous executive last year. During the year thirteen executive meetings had been held, with an average attendance of five out of six members resident in Christchurch. From time to time several sub-committees had been appointed to deal with matters coming forward, and these had all carried out their work expeditiously and well.

Since the previous conference in Dunedin the Mutual Insurance Company, formed by the joint efforts of this Federation and the New Zealand Master Painters' Federation, had commenced business. The first year of operation would close at the end of this month, and one of the directors of the company would probably be able at some stage during the conference to place an interim report before delegates. The amount of business transacted during the year had been quite satisfactory, and would allow the company to consolidate its position and thus be able to face the future with even greater surety. It was essential that to reap the greatest benefits from such an organisation the support of all members of affiliated associations of the two Federations behind the scheme be forthcoming. The directors were pleased with the co-operation so far accorded by those who originally supported the project, and hoped that during the next twelve months those members of the Federation who had not yet. definitely joined the scheme would do so with resulting benefit both to themselves and to their fellow members. The Liens Act. One of the biggest questions held over from last year for the consideration of this executive was that of the operation of the Liens Act. For many years past various Federations and Associations of building sub-contractors throughout the Dominion had been trying to induce the Parliament of the day to amend the Act along lines which it was hoped would give the help sought. During the early part of 1929 a combined committee of master painters, master plasterers, and this executive had gone fully into the Act and sought the advice of members of the Canterbury Master Builders' Association on the question. The matter was placed before the Minister for Labour, and it was expected that some action would be taken during next session of Parliament with a view to giving greater protection to sub-contractors by means o± the Act. Military Training. It was with regret that the executive had to report that no satisfactory decision had yet been reached in connexion with the question of payment of apprentices while attending military camp. The executive was keeping m dose touch with the New Zealand Employers' Federation regarding the next movement in the matter. Apprenticeship Matters. During the year a conference of Apprenticeship Committee representatives had been held in Wellington. This was originally to be a tripartite conference of general employers' and presentatives and Government offices but the Government had finally limited it to Apprenticeship Committee representatives. During the forthcoming seeSon it was expected that islation would be introduced along lines recommended by this conference, and that the interests of their members wotid be carefully watched by this exwoum „_j the New Zealand Emr£»' FIX; X p«.bi°» •' *•

this way co-operation could be secured J if desired, and a dangerous move might be more easily countered. General. Thanks were due to Mr F. J. Ballinger for attending the annual conference, of the New Zealand Employers' Federation. Ther6 was no doubt that the Plumbers' Federation reaped much benefit from its close association with this body, and its organisation was likely to prove particularly useful to them during the next twelve months if any drastic amendments to the Apprenticeship Act were forthcoming. The Report Adopted. The chairman, in moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet for 1929, thanked his colleagues on the executive, and all the executive officers and members of affiliated associations, for their help and co-operation during the past year. During that time they had had to face several important problems, and he thought they had all, individually, been called upon to face still more pressing problems in their respective businesses. During the coming year the executive would have to face the question of the Plumbers' Begistration Act. There had been a good deal of discussion on this subject at their previous conference, specially in regard to the matter of having the passes at the Plumbers' Board examinations graded; and in regard to the attempt to protect the master plumbers of New Zealand against tradesmen whose ambitions were such that they did not wish to attain a high position in their calling. During the year the suggestions of the Federation had been placed before the Department of Health, but no far no reply had been received, except that the matter "was receiving consideration." It was now nearly _ 18 years since the Act had been put into operation, and he felt that the time had arrived when the Federation should seriously consider allowing the executive to spend the greater part of the year in agitating for an amendment. There were again several remits before the conference dealing with the matter and it was his earnest desire that strict instructions should be issued for the executive to push the suggestions of the Federation to the fullest possible extent. Nothing should be done to weaken the position they had attained through the Act, and they should do more still to close the door on unqualified men, who were offered every facility to fit themselves for registration. The motion for the adoption of the report and balance-sheet was seconded by Mr F. H. Jansen, and carried unanimously. , . Mr J. Christie, a plumber from Newcastle (N.S.W.), who was present by invitation, addressed the conference. , . Appointments. With regard to the appointment of an assessor to represent the employers on the Arbitration Court it was decided to support the nomination of the New Zealand Employers' Federation. "With regard to the appointment of a representative of the employers at the International Conference, to be held at Geneva, it was decided to nominate the Hon. T. Shailer Weston, of Wellington. The Plumbers' Board. Mr J. S. Douglas submitted a report on the operations of the New Zealand Plumbers' Board for the past twelve months. He said, inter alia, that there were now signs of some alterations (in the procedure of the past) being made, by amending the Act, and making regulations so as to permit of the Education Department being recognised concerning technological examinations. So far as the Plumbers' Board was concerned, provided the final qualifying grade was at least up to the present standard this

would jpobably be accepted. With regard to the proposed amendment of the Act dealing with 'electricians carrying out hot water installations, the Minister for Health advised in September, 1929, that there would be no legislation last session dealing with any contentious questions. It had, therefore, been decided that at the next meeting in Wellington a conference be held by the Minister, the Health Department, and the Plumbers' Board to discuss the whole question of amendments, etc. The Finance Ministers of the Eeform and United Governments had both requested that some alterations should be made in the scale of fees, etc., so as to make the conditions and administration more self-supporting. The net cost of administration not including head office expenses such as salaries, postages, etc., for the year ending December, 1929, was £306 2s S3. The expense incurred for examinations in the past, especially the practical part, the cost of material, sheet lead, pipes, and metal far exceeded the amount of fees for some, and this position had not been assisted owing to many candidates sitting . for the practical, time after time, who evidently had very little experience or practice in the work. By adopting the technological method, where, before entering upon the final grade they must show proficiency in the .previous grades, this with the new scale of fees should show better results so far as the Board was concerned. Remits Dealt With. A number of remits were dealt with. "That in future conferences be held bi-annually" was moved by the Auckland delegate. After discussion, the remit was rejected. "That provision be made in the Plumbers Eegistration Act, prohibiting non-registered plumbers from conducting business, or accepting contracts, involving work that the Act requires must be done by a registered plumber, the spirit of the Act being overcome by the employment of registered plumbers." This remit was moved by Mr B. J. Bell (Wanganui), who said that the matter arose out of a recent case, in which a non-registered plumber who employed a registered man had been awarded the decision. After lengthy discussion, the remit was approved, and referred to the executive. Mr J. S. Douglas (Dunedin) moved the following remit: "(a) That for the plumbing portion of any contract separate tenders be made direct to the ar'* , -""f>.t. " (b) That provision be made in the tender for an allowance to the building contractor as compensation for use of the facilities, such as scaffolding, etc.,' provided by him. "(c) That the name and price of the accepted tenderer be furnished to the building contractor by the architect. "(d) That proportionate progress payments bo made to "-* plumber as the work proceeds, in terms of the general conditions of contract." This matter was far more important to-day than it was years ago, said Mr Douglas. Mr W. H. Jenkins (Dunedin) seconded, and several delegates spoke in support. Mr Spiers (Invercargill) said that the great objection to the wording of the remit was that every other trade would attempt to carry the same thing. It was decided to forward the remit to the conference of the Architects' Institute, Wellington. Mr W. Cross (Auckland) moved as follows: "(a) That the Government be asked to make provision in the Plumbers Eegistration Act for the registration of master plumbers. "(b) That persons presenting themselves fo/ registration as journeymen

plumbers be required to pass an examination in practical work only. "(c) That registered journeymen plumbers subsequent presen JV themselves for registration as master plumbers be required to pass a further examination in theory."

Mr P. H. Jansen said the curse of the plumbing trade was that it was so easy to start up in business. Ho supported the remit. The motion was approved and rereferred to the executive.

A remit was brought forward by the Wellington Centre to the effect that the growing tendency on the part o£ technical school officials to introduce daytime instruction to plumbing classes be resisted, as it seriously disorganised the plumbing trade. The remit was adopted. The question of the proportion of apprentices to journeymen, brought forward by the Auckland Centre, was discussed at length, and it was finally decided that the conference request the Auckland Association not to alter their proportion of journeymen to apprentices. The conference then adjourned to 10 a.m. on Wednesday.