UNLABELLED CLOTHING

Greymouth Evening Star, 13 June 1936, Page 14

UNLABELLED CLOTHING

AUCKLAND FIRM FINED

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

AUCKLAND, June 12

For failing to label garments made in an unregistered factory, Robinson Brothers Limited, a city firm of clothing manufacturers, was prosecuted in the Magistrate’s Court, by the Department of Labour. Mr. Neumegen who appeared for the firm pleaded guilty.

Mr. G. F. Grieve, who appeared for the Department said the case was unusual being brought under the section of the Factories Act headed ‘‘Suppression of Sweating in Factories, which stated that if the occupier of a factory desired to give out work to be done elsewhere, certain provisions must be complied with. Some of the required sections had been complied with, but not that which required the garments on which such work was done to be labelled. Defendant had no knowledge of the provision, and produced books showing the work which had been put out. The required label was “This garment was made in an unregistered factory.” Mr. Newmegen said the practice had gone on for years, but immediately the firm had been advised, the proper label had been used. “It seems to. be necessary .from time to time, to prosecute somebody to draw attention to some provisions that are not generally known,” said the Magistrate, Mr. McKean. Mr. Grieve pointed out that there had been no attempt at concealment, but the offence was exceedingly dimcult to detect. The matter was dealt with in the new legislation which made it mandatory for the occupier of a factory to advise the department before giving out work. A fine of 10/- with costs v?as imposed. .