TRADE DISPUTES.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 102, 9 May 1901, Page 1

TRADE DISPUTES.

ARBITRATION AND CONCILIATION

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) Christchurch, last night. In the Arbitration Court this morning, the Furniture Union applied for enforcement of an award against Strange and Company, who were employing an upholsterer at less than minimum wages, although no permit had been granted. It appeared that a' man had, according to an agreement made before the award was given, served four years with another firm and left last year for Strange’s at 80s per week. It was contended by the Union that tho term of apprenticeship must be five years, and a permit to work for less than the minimum was. ref used on this account. The Court held a technical breach had been committed, but considered the permit had been wrongfully withheld. A fine of one shilling was imposed. The application for the enforcementof the award in connection with the plumbing trade had to be withdrawn from the Arbitration Court to-day, as the Union had not gone through the formalities set forth in section 98 of the Amending Act. It provides for a special meeting to consider the question of reference "and for subsequent ballot, as well as for notices being posted to members. The Court .to-day interpreted tho ap-prentice-clause in the furniture trade to mean that the term of apprenticeship shall be-fivo years, but the award does not affect arrangements entered into beforo the award was made.

To-morrow the butchers’ case will come on again, and the Court proposes to adopt the Wellington award, and the employers have been called upon to show why, if they object, the conditions in Christchurch are different from those in Wellington. Mr Justice Cooper-will not be able to finish all the disputes here before leaving for Dunedin on Monday, and some wi 11 have to be held over until his return.