WORK AND WAGES

Grey River Argus, 17 May 1938, Page 3

WORK AND WAGES

DUNEDIN, May 13.

The employment of boys under 16 oh milk rounds before 7 o’clock in the morning, was the subject of several prosecutions of milk vendors in the Police Court this morning.

The Magistrate (Mr W. H. Bundle) agreed with the defence’s contention that there was difficulty in getting suitable labour, but added that that did not justify the employment of boys under age. A fine of 30s was imposed in each of four cases.

One boy concerned was 12 years old, and commenced work at 5.30 a.m., a second was 11. and commenced at 6.30, and a third was 10. and commenced at 5 a.m.

AUCKLAND, May 13.

An increase of lid to 2d a quart in the price of milk in Auckland would result if claims for a new award made by the Auckland Dairy Employees’ Industrial Union of Workers, was estimated by Mr L. J. Goldstine, chairman of the Auckland Metropolitan Milk Council at its meeting, when a report dealing with the claims was received from Mr N. R. Chapman, secretary to the council. The present price to consumers within the area administered by the council is 51d a quart for loose milk and 6d a quart for bottled milk. “The claims of this union are very far-reaching, and the effect, if they are granted, should be closely considered by the council.” stated Mr Chapman. “All vendors who employ roundsmen are cited in the applica-

tion. Mr Goldstine: “We have a duty to submit to the Arbitration Court the effect of the claims. If they are granted, the price of milk in Auckland will be higher than in any other part of the Dominion, and possibly the highest in the Southern Hemisphere.” On a previous occasion, when an award was framed, he added, the Arbitration Court heard evidence submitted by the council, stating that it was the duty of the council to fix prices and not to determine the wages of workers. , Mr N. V. Douglas said the council had no authority to enter into the dispute. , . Mr Goldstine agreed that it would not be right for the council to take sides in the matter, but it was a function of the council to supply information about what the price Increase to the public would be. “This is a matter which directly affects the people of Auckland,” he said, “and I feel it is my duty to move heaven and eaith for the council to be heard." . Two motions were finally carried. The first, that the reports be received and referred to a special committee | of the council to prepare, in romunc-j tion with the secretary and the technical adviser, evidence for submission to the council, was carried unanimously The second, that an apphca- . tion be made by the council to submit approved evidence to the ArbArat Court, was also carried with three dissentients.