JUNIOR FACTORY WORKERS

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28823, 18 February 1959, Page 16

JUNIOR FACTORY WORKERS

Medical Testing Anomaly

Two medical examinations within a few months of boys and girls under the age of 16 years have had to be paid for by employers, according to a discussion at a meeting of the council of the Canterbury, Manufacturers’ . Association:

A committee of medical men ' has been asked to inquire whether ! results justified the examination * of young persons under the 1 Factories Act The association’s 1 council decided to ask the gar- I ment group to investigate the 1 position before a report and , recommendations are submitted by the Manufacturers' Federation to the Board of Health. "Sometimes we are inclined to take these things for granted.” commented the secretary (Mr R. T. Alston) When the council appeared loath to take action. "Sometimes we leave it to the other man. and it doesn’t happen.” The garment industry was affected, said Mr C. H. Stockbridge. Before a girl over 15 years of age could begin work she had to undergo a medical examination and when she reached 16 the employer had to pay another guinea. Mr L, C. Fulford said one examination should suffice when a male or famale was employed within five months of reaching the age of 18., "As employers we have no objection to the medical examinations—we think ft Is a jolly good idea,” said Mr Stockbridge, ‘‘but fce think it is over the fence to have to pay for two examinations in two months. It is quite unreasonable.” The president (Mr J. R. Maddren): That is ah anomaly.