ARBITRATION COURT.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20083, 12 November 1930, Page 7

ARBITRATION COURT.

MUSICIANS* AWARD.

POSITION OF RADIO PERFORMERS.

An application was made before the Arbitration Court yesterday morning to have the New Zealand Radio Broadcasting Company brought under the New Zealand Performing Musiciaps' Award. Honou F Mr Justice Frazer presided, and with him were Mr W. Cecil iT/ 1111 *' r ®P resen ting the employers, and Mr A. L. Monteith, representing the employees. b The application was made by the New Zealand Performing Musicians' Federapresented by Mr Arthur Tongue. Macdonald, acting-secretary of the Canterbury Employers' Association, appeared for the Radio Broadcasting Company. Mr Tongue contended that as every broadcasting station in New Zealand employed musicians, the controlling company should become a party to the award. Thero were members of tho Musicians' Federation employed by the company who were receiving only 10s a night for broadcasting. A dance orchestra, and a trio engaged permanently, were not receiving tho full benefits of the award. His Honour pointed out that the application, had been dealt with in Auckland and Wellington, but had been left to be thoroughly thrashed out at Christchurch. The Court wished to obtain information of the company's side of the question-. The Company's Position. "The company must necessarily make contracts with players performing at the studio for certain items," s„id Mr Macdonald. "No conditions of playing are applicable, consequently it is practically impossible for the company to work under tho award, outside of which the method of engagement of the players definitely leaves them. A contract is made with the leader of a combination performing to play certain items for a stipulated amount. The number of players is sometimes agreed on, but often the leader arranges that, within reason. The company has no knowledge of how the payment is split up amongst the members of the party. The pianist is under contract to play certain items and accompaniments." Particulars of the conditions under which performers are engaged were given by Mr A. R. Harris, general manager of the New Zealand Broadcasting Company, who, when cross-examined at length by Mr Monteith, admitted that the station's pianist and accompanist was obliged to be at tho call of the company practically throughout tho whole session. His Honour reserved his decision.