DOLLS’ PRAMS

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 216, 8 June 1926, Page 8

DOLLS’ PRAMS

MANUFACTURE AT SPECIAL SCHOOL EXEMPTION FROM AWARD SOUGHT Few people are aware that an institution exists near Longburn in which it m possible lor those who cannot find sufficient money to complete their pJh cation to extend their knoiriedge bv work occupation* time at occupation- this came out at the sit Ung Of the Arbitration Cour : yesterday morning, when Mr. H. 11. Cornish an plied on behalf of the Australian Conference Association, Ltd., for exemption from the Arbitration award for basketmakers. It will be remembered that during a recent sitting of the Conciliation Council a similar application was made, but was objected to, both by employers and by workmen, on the ground that the product of the mssionary school at Longburn came into competition with ordinary manufacturers’ output, while the establishment was not under the award. I. E. Constantine, the principal of the school, gave evidence that he had held the position for three years. A journey, man and an apprentice were employed at the school at more than the award rates, the former earning £5 ss.'or £5 10s. per week. In addition, eleven students made toy prams and baskets, earning from 3d. to Is. per hour, the proceeds of the sale of their manufactures going to the institution, which, however, did not cover its expenses, the loss being made up by private donations. The school was started at Pukekohe, but had been removed to Longburn. The headquarters of the association were in Australia. If exemption generally could not be obtained, witness desired that dolls’ prams, the value of which was now assessed at under 155., should have that limit abolished. Mr. Ferguson, secretary of the Basketmakers’ Union, opposed the application on the ground that it would.act unfairly towards the members rf his union, as well as to competing employers, especially as dolls’ prams were frequently sold at’£2 15s. In answer to Mr. Constantine, Mr. Justice Frazer said that anything made for the school would not come under the award. His Honour suggested that the parties should agree on a clause to be put in the award which would meet the desires of both sides, and adjourned the application to enable that to be done. Subsequently the parties met, but could arrive at no agreement, and the Court adjourned tho matter until tomorrow afternoon.