PLUMBERS REGISTRATION

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 93, 22 April 1925, Page 9

PLUMBERS REGISTRATION

CORRESPONDENTS' VIEWS.

Two correspondents have written at length to "The Post" commenting upon the discussion at the Federated Plumbers' Conference concerning unregistered plumbers. Mr. A. Barclay states that three suggestions were made: (1) To force action against the offenders ; v (2) amendment of the Act; (3) 5s a day less for unregistered .plumbers. The correspondent considers that it would be rather drastic to force action against men v/ho are trying their best to obtain registration certificates. The Act already provides for regulations for conducting examinations, and this sbonld be put into operation. Manj apprentices now discontinue attendance at classes before they are qualified, as tho system of examination after fivo years gives them no encouragement to continue. There should be a. day class, as in Auckland, and also a system of grade examinations, first, second, and final, on the principle of the London and City Guilds Examinations. An apprentice could sit for tho first after three years, and if successful would then beeome*eligible for examination for the next grade. The correspondent admits that considerable inducements in scholarships and medals aTe now given to apprentices to attend classes, and it is a pity that the guild examinations are not recognised. A lower rate of pay would probably react against the registered plumbers, Tho best course is to maintain the Act and encourage apprentices to stick to their work until they are qualified; then the supply of unregistered plumbers will be stopped. "Public Health" asks for information as to the constitution of the Plumbers' Board, its duties, the remuneration paid to members, frequency of meetings and why the board conducts its business so secretly.