BOARDERS AND AWARDS

Evening Post, Volume XCIV, Issue 38, 14 August 1917, Page 8

BOARDERS AND AWARDS

APPLICATIONS FOR EXEMPTIONS

Two applicants for exemption from the private hotels award appeared before tlve Conciliation Council this morning. Mr: H. H, Cornish, on behalf of Mrs. Hill and her three sisters, who owned " Thornleigh," stated that the house did not advertise for boarders, and on that ground claimed exemption. In l'eply to the representative of the union (Mr.' E. Kennedy), Mrs. Hill stated that she took about forty boarders and kept a staff of four, who assisted her sisters with the work. The assistant cook received 30s a week and each of the other employees £l. ■■:"• .-; .■■■:

Mr. Kennedy : You base your objection to paying more than £1 a week on the fact that you don't advertise? — Mr. Cornish agreed that this was so.

In reply to the Conciliation Commissioner (Mr. Hagger), Mrs. Hill said that she had withdrawn the advertisements about a fortnight ago, but not because she had heard that Miss Malcolm had been exempted for a similar reason.

- The Commissioner said that as there were many parties in a similar position to "Thomleigh" he would leave the application to bo decided by the Court.

Another application was made, on behalf of Mils. O'Loughlin, of " Waitangi." The wages paid were 25s 6d for waitresses and 22s 6d" for housemaids. The applicant stated.that she would not mind being joined as a party to the award, but she nould not afford to engage tho extra help to give each of the girls a day off. She stated the hours at present worked, and Mr. Kennedy suggested: that a slight . reorganisation would enable the day off to be given.

The Commissioner: Well, there is an .opportunity for you to show how it can be done, Mr. Kennedy. Mr. Kennedy: Well, I am willing to do so in the case of this house.

The applicant stated that she did not see why she should be made a party, and have to observe union conditions when a wealthy employer was exempt. ,'

The Commissioner said the case referred to was different. This application must also be sent to the Court, to which the applicant could give the evidence she had put before the Council. . Mr. Kennedy remarked that, if all private hotels paid the wages in proportion to those given in thh case there would b« much less trouble. .■'..'