AWARD WAGE SET ASIDE

Evening Star, Issue 21509, 6 September 1933, Page 5

AWARD WAGE SET ASIDE

INTERESTING POINT RAISED |_Per United Press Association.] THAMES, September 5A case of interest in industrial circles was heard in the Magistrate’s Court to-day, before Mr F. W. Platts, S.M.The Thames Miners’ Union claimed £IOO penalty against the Kuranui Golden Hills Ltd'., in respect of the employ, rrienf Of two men below award rates.' The> Kuranui pioneer, low grade ora treatment plant, which had been operating' for the past nine months, nad paid the men 10s a day, the award rate being 16s. less cuts, equal to 13s 2d. Counsel for the union stated that the company was 'assisted by the Unemployment Board under scheme No. 815 to the extent of 30s weekly for married men, and 15s for single men. It was also gi anted free power by the Public Works Department. The union decided to prosecute when negotiations for an unotrstanding with the management had failed.

Coin, fel for the company stated that operations would cease if award rates had to be paid. The Unemployment Beard had made no objection to the rates paid to the men. He claimed that the case came under: the 1932 legislation exempting workmen employed under a scheme approved by the Unemployment Board. The managing director stated in evidence that twenty-seven men were employed who would otherwise bo on re-

The union’s counsel submitted that the board could not set aside an award. Decision was reserved.