COACHBUILDERS

Evening Post, Volume CXVII, Issue 110, 11 May 1934, Page 12

COACHBUILDERS

THE LOCAL POSITION

SPIRIT OF CO-OPERATION

The annual meeting of the Wellington Coach and Motor Vehicle Trades' Industrial Union of Employers was held on Tuesday, there being a good attendance of members. Mr. D. IT. Taylor, president, in moving the adoption of the annual report^ referred to the activities of the association' during the past year, which, he felt sure, would prove a benefit and help to those engaged in the industry. The report stated that the executive was well aware of the difficulties which had been experienced by those engaged in the industry, and which had made it, necessary for employers to reduce costs or go out of business. There was, however, a feeling of greater confidence today than existed when the previous annual report was presented, and the executive looked forward with hope to improved conditions. The award which came into force in the Wellington district in May, 1933, had proved a great improvement on previous awards. The conditions had' allowed for that measure of elasticity which permitted employers and worker.s to arrive at satisfactory arrangements in relation to the cost of work as well as providing a measure of protection for workers against the invasion into the industry of unprincipled wage-cut-ters. It was gratifying to report that a splendid spirit of co-operation between employers, the workers' union, and the individual employees had existed.

When the Dominion award was cancelled on April 13, 1933, in so far as the Wellington industrial district was concerned, the local apprenticeship order automatically ceased to operate or have any effect in relation to apprentices taken on after that date. Simultaneously, the Wellington Coach Workers' Apprenticeship' Committee ceased to exist or have any legal standing, the report continued. "In practically all industries in the Dominion

there has grown a strong feeling of resentment against the restrictions imposed .on employers, and the unsatisfactory effect that the Apprentices Act, 1923, has had on. apprentices in general, and a desire for the abolition of the Act." •■.■•■■ . ,

The following officers wore elected: — President, Mr. G. L. Neilsen; vicepresidents, Messrs. J. L. Broun and H. 6. .Huggins; executive,. Messrs. B. C. .Harvifi, John E. Hunt, D. H. Taylor, H. Oldfield, V. Ridley; hon. auditor, Mr. E. T. .Lowry; secretary and treasurer, Mr. W. J. 'Mountjoy.

Mr. John E. Hunt, in moving a hearty; vote, of thanks*' to'; tho retiring president, Mr. Taylor, said that Mr. Taylor had worked very hard in the interests of those engaged in the industry, and his efforts were reflected in the success that had been achieved by. the association. Mr. H. Oldfield and others also spoke in appreciative terms of Mr. Taylor's good service, the motion being carried by acclamation.