LOCAL INDUSTRY

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXII, Issue 11592, 19 August 1931, Page 7

LOCAL INDUSTRY

PRINTERS’ UNION CLAIM

BOROUGH COUNCIL SYAIPATHETIC,

Support local industry was the principle advocated in letter from the Gisborne Printing and Related trades Union read at the Borough Council meeting last evening. Tho text of the letter was:—

At v, meeting of the union, it was decided to write to the business people of this town who, wo have reason to believe, are having at least a portion of their printing done outside Gisborne. Several of our members are out of employment, and we feel that this could be remedied by a larger measure of local patriotism. As members of the union, with established homes in Gisborne, we spend our money where we earn it and we feel that, in asking you to do the same, we are improving our members’ chances of- steady employment during tliis period of idimstrial depression and, at tho same time, that we will assist businesses which are customers of -, our respective employers .by patronising them. Trusting you will give this matter your earnest support and* discourage outside canvassers.”

The Mayor (Mr. 1). W. Coleman) said that he was in direct sympathy with .the letter. As far as possible, tho council was acting on this policy. The roll for 1929 was the only work carried out outside Gisborne and on that occasion a. lower tender was received from outside the district. “My attitude on the matter/’ added the Mayor, “is that if the local quottetions are anywhere within rcaqli of tho outside price, I will certainly favor the local tender.” Cr. A..S. Muir stated that, in defence of local printers, lie should explain why tlie local prices were higher for tlie job mentioned by the Mayor. Local printers worked under an award and were compelled to pay award wages, whereas the firm which gave the low quotation in question consisted of two men who could work any hours, even on Sundays, without having to pay overtime. “It is a case of you people having supported sweated labor,” said Cr. Muir.” Ho added that the price fixed by the Government Printer for'printing the electoral roll was a clear indication that the local quotations had been reasonable. On the motion, of the Mayor, it was decided to reply to' the letter intimating that the council was in sympathy with the principles mentioned and that the council would do everything possible to "keep printing work in the town.