NO UNLIMITED HOURS

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21861, 14 August 1936, Page 20

NO UNLIMITED HOURS

.WORK IN FRUITPACKING INDUSTRY CONCILIATION COMMISSIONER’S REMARKS (PEB33 A.S9OCII.TIOX TELEGBAMi) HASTINGS, August 13. “I don’t think there will be unlimited hours of working in this or any other industry,” said the Conciliation Commissioner (Mr M. J. Reardon) during the hearing of the fruit-packing industrial dispute. On behalf of the employers, Mr C. H. Slater said that there were two months of the year, during the peak of the exporting season, when continuous work was imperative. Though the stores were registered under the Factories Act, they were exempt from the hours restrictions because of the uood handled being, perishable. “We have been working harmoniously for 20 years, and have always had to work long hours during the peak rush period,” he said. . The commissioner: Oh! That is for 20 years ago? Mr Slater: Yes. The commissioner: But Parliament has met during the last three months, Mr Slater. Possibly we haven’t caught up with it yet. . The commissioner pointed out that recent legislation tended to alter that procedure to a very marked degree. He suggested that the packing sheds cf the resnondents would come under the legislation. Mr .apsey: Then so will the packing sheds at the orchards. The commissioner agreed. He said that they were in direct competition . with the businesses of the respondents. “We shall have to obtain exemption.” commented Mr Slater. "We had it before. Those people who are responsible are reasonable-minded people, and have no desire to cripple the industry.” Mr W. Miller, representing thp employees, suggested that more packers would have to be employed. It was pointed out, however, that it was for only two months of the year, and during that period every packer available was employed. To the number of nackers would mean heavy capital costs. in the nrovision of additional machinery, which would be idle for 10 months. “I suggest to you that none of-you _ has a clear understanding of the trend of the legislation,” said the commissioner. “I feel confident that, no maiter what award may be set up and no matter how favourable. it jnay be to employers, you will not get continuous hours of work such as you appear to have now.” He urged the representatives to acknowledge this fact when discussing the question of an agreement, and suggested that they make themselves conversant with Hie trend of legislation before the resumption of the proceedings next month. INDUSTRY MUST HAVE ASSISTANCE FUTURE OF FRUIT-GROWING IN HAWKE’S BAY (PEXBB ABSOCIATJOX TXEBOBAU.) HASTINGS, August 13. “The best thing that could have happened, so far as the fruit-growing industry in Hawke’s Bay is concerned, would have been to have stopped planting five years ago,” said Mr -H. G. Apsey, when the state of the fruit industry was under consideration- ®t the hearing of the packers’ dispute at a sitting of the Conciliation Council in Hastings. “The industry is in a bad way, and •without Government assistance we cannot carry on,” said Mr C. H. Slater. “There is not a shadow of doubt that it will go out unless we have some assistance. Over-supply is the trouble.” The commissioner (Mr M. J. Beardon) said that he could recall the time when Hawke’s Bay peaches were retailed in Wellington at 4s a pound." “Well, I’ve seen them sold at such a price that the return to growers has been only ninepence for a, case of 241b," said Mr Apsey. It was pointed out that it was necessary for the fruit to be sold- on the Wellington market at 6s a case before the grower made a return.