UNEMPLOYED TRADESMEN

Hawera Star, Volume L, 13 February 1931, Page 9

UNEMPLOYED TRADESMEN

RELIEF PLAN CRITICISED “HARD WORDS” RESENTED WITHDRAWAL REQUESTER. As the outcome of a. meeting of trade employers convened by the Hawera Chamber of Commerce to-day it was intimated that no further action would be taken in respect to the .scheme put forward at a meeting of the chamber this week as a means, of assisting the relief of unemployment among building and painting tradesmen of the town. There were present at the meeting seven representatives of the painting and building trades and the chamber of commerce committee Messrs. F. W. Horner (president), B. C. Bennett and E. Dixon.

In opening the meeting Air. Horner, who officiated as chairman, explained that at a discussion at a meeting of the chamber of commerce on Tuesday consideration was given to the position of unemployed tradesmen of the town who, in pursuance of their usual vocations. were not eligible to receive the subsidv being granted by the Unemployment Board. It had been pointed out that the subsidy was available only for unskilled work not governed by awards. It was thought that a certain amount of renovation work, which in ordinary times wou'ld! he undertaken, was possibly being held over till a more favourable period and that if 'property owners could be induced to have that work carried out immediately the position of local tradesmen such as builders and painters would' be improved.

TENTATIVE, AIEASURE

That such a need existed was explained in discussion with Air. J. E. Campbell, secretary of the unemployment relict committee at Hawera. The only manner in which tradesmen out of wort ■mild receive the beneht of the subsidised relief scheme was lor them to take ui) scrub or hedge cutting or similar work and the amount of that class of work offering was much below the volume required to absorb the unein■ployed in the district; also it was unsuitable for men trained in trades.

Reverting to the suggested renovation work, Air. Horner said it was thought some inducement would be necessary to have it made available and as a> temporary measure it was suggested that if contractors or tradesmen were willing to tender at rates which, though lower than usual, would ensure a living wage, certain work might become available and the unemployed situation be alleviated. Some of the tradesmen out of work had intimated willingness to take less than the award rate of wages. The difficulty of the Arbitration Act then came in but the men could take work on a contract basis. A committee to investigate the scheme had been appointed by the chamber and the present meeting of employers had been called to ascertain the possible effect of the 'proposal.

“BEST OF INTENTIONS.” “I think it is a hare-brained, scheme altogether though doubtless put forward with the best of intentions,” said Mr. E. A. Pacey, who entered the room during the concluding portion of Mr. Horner’s address. “To put it bluntly, it is going to put us all out of business.” It was impossible for contractors having to; pay award rates of wages to make undertakings based on 'lesser charges. Some work had already been done at less than nothing—that ivas to say that by the time wages and material were pa hi nothing was left. Also the position of the awards had to be considered. A tradesman taking work at reduced rates would soon be hi trouble with the inspector. Instead of improving the position, it appeared that the, scheme proposed would put out of work tradesmen who could not in the resultant conditions be paid award rates and the present position would be aggravated. Mr. B. C. Bennett: “Mr. Pacey has told us, exactly what we wished to learn-—that is, the position of the cusj tomary contract work and the possible effect of the proposed scheme.” Mr. Bennett pointed out that it was to discuss that aspect of the case that the meeting had been called. It was thought that by a further system of contract something could be done for the out of work tradesman. . . T,he Mayor; That is. a most pernicious system. Mr. Bennett said that a possible further method might be to canvass business people l of the town and iso secure possible work which might not be given without representations of the position by a committee. „ ' •■HARD WORDS” RESENTED. A painter-employer expressed! the view that it was hardly suitable for tradesmen in a place like Hawera to take the lead in cutting award rates. Such action, if necessary, would more appropriately ibe taken in cities or larger centres than Hawera. Following explanation by Mr. Pacey of the view that, if the proposed scheme were put in operation the present contracting employer® would be expected to provide materials or equipment at disadvantageous terms, Mr. Bennett said that the motive of the' chamber in taking the matter up had been to assist the community and the committee should not have to accept hard words in the discussion of the proposal. Mr. Horner said the scheme scarcely merited the description applied by Mr. Pacey. The chamber of commerce, had no axe to grind in the matter and its members personally would make nothing out of it. To the outsider it appeared better for a Tradesman to he able to contract on his own behalf on the basis of a wage of say 14s a day than to remain indefinitely out of work. Tt was realised that difficulty might be encountered but the aim was a service to the community and the meeting of employees had been accordingly called to investigate the possibilities. In view of that it was unfortunate that M,r. Pacey had taken up a hostile atti-

tilde. ' Mr Pa rev said lie would admit lie was hostile to the scheme though he conceded it had been actuated with tlie best of motives.

WITHDRAWAL DECLINED

Mr. Dixon said the situation was an extraordinary one and the proposed 'Scheme was a tentative measure only. It had been thought that a round table conference might do some good but Mr Pacey had taken up a hostile attitude and had been abusive. “I resent Mr Paeey’s remarks,” said Mr. Dixon. He should withdraw them.” Mr. Pacey denied that he had keen abusive. . The chairman agreed with Mr. Dixon and said lie thought Mr. Pacey should withdraw his remarks. . Mr Pacev; I will not withdraw my remarks. No one can say rightly they were abusive. 1 have said what I thought of the scheme and given credit for the well intentioned motive, hut it is quite unsuitable and is an irregular one for professional and business men ito take up. „ ~ , At a later stage Mr. Pacey said he | would express T regret if he had umnI tentionally hurt anyone’s feeling in, the

matter, hut his criticism had been prompted by the knowledge that the scheme would not he suitable. Another speaker expressed appreciation of the action of the committee in calling the meeting, hut said he could not endorse the proposal which, might affect seriously the rates for work and disorganise trade conditions. Another speaker said that already Hawera, for painting work, was the cheapest town of a considerable number he had been in. ... The discussion concluded with the intimation of the chairman that having the views of the meeting on the proposal the committee of the chamber of commerce would not pursue the matter further.