BAKERS' & DRIVERS' AFFAIRS

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1620, 11 December 1912, Page 7

BAKERS' & DRIVERS' AFFAIRS

THEY SEE MR. MASSEY. (By Teleeranh.—Press Association.) Christchurch, December 10. A deputation waited on Mr. Massey this morning to protest against the action of the Arbitration Court in altering the award in the bakery business, and to urge an amendment in the law to require the Court to consult both parties before altering an award.

Jlr. llassey replied that his mind was clear in regard to the powers of the Court. He could not interfere, and would not if he could. The representations in regard to amendment of the law would be considered in framing the Bill to "be brought down next' session.

Another deputation objected to the operation of the drivers' award covering only a radius of ten miles from the city, and cited the case of Tiinaru, .which urged that Temulca employers should he included under the award. It was also urged that a shop assistant who attended horses should have his hours strictly limited to five. Under the Shops Act at present an assistant might bo required to work an extra hour without pay. The deputation further urged the. necessity for legislation extending the powers ot inspectors to inquire into the operations of awards, and preventing contracting out of awards and providing that no partnership agreement should be valid unless it was registered., _ _ . . Mr. Massey promised consideration of the suggestions, and said ho proposed to consolidate and amend the arbitration law and Shops and Offices Act, aud those interested would he given an opportunity to express their views before the labour Bills Committee.