THRIFTLESS FLAXMILL HANDS

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume III, Issue 75, 12 March 1913, Page 2

THRIFTLESS FLAXMILL HANDS

THE AV AGES THEY AVASTE. Wellington, March 11. Some surprising allegations regarding the morals of flaxmill hands were made before the Trade Commission by Mr. Robert Gardner, a well-known flaxiuiiler, to-day. The point arose after witness had explained that he paid some of his hands up to £6 per week and in some cases over that amount. This led a member of the Cammission to enquire whether the men went on the land after some years at such work. AVitness replied that of some 600 men who had been in his employ he knew two only who “had risen above their position.” Sir Alfred Bateman : AVhat is deleterious in the industry ? Is it very exhausting work ? AVitness: No. AA r hat class of labour is it ? You might call it casual labour. Very little skill is required. Not to earn £6'7/6 per week ? No. I have the figures here of wages paid at one of ray mills. Boys are paid as much as £2/12.'- per week. What is the reason ?

Men get their money and go off to the nearest race meeting. The amount of money wasted by the men was very large. AVitness, in reply to general questions, said the industry this year was prosperous, but prices fluctuated and were/determined by the price cf Manila hemp.