IRON COFFIN

Hokitika Guardian, 9 May 1936, Page 2

IRON COFFIN

MAKER’S TRADE UNDECIDED

SYDNEY, May 2,

Whether a man who makes galvanised iron coffins i 3 an undertaker’s assistant or a plumber is still undecided,. Charles Henry Weaver claimed from AVood Coffill Ltd., the difference between wages paid him under the Undertakers’ award and what he alleged he should have got as a journeyman under the Plumbers’. award. The Chief Industrial Magistrate, Mr E, A. Prior, in the Industrial Magistrate’s Court, gave a reserved jurginent to-day; Refusing to make an order, the magistrate said that there seemed to be some confusion in the industry as to what constituted plumbers’ work. It was a -matter which might well go back to the award-making tribunal for definition. The magistrate said that most of Weaver's work was making galvanised iron coffins.

Evidence showed that Weaver’s work was apparently common to both trades. Tho Plumbers’ award, however, fixed a rate for a competent plumber. Weaver might very well continue the work which he had performed without ever coming under that heading. Mr Rowland appeared for complainant; Mr Keith Manion for defendant.

I A pregnant message from Moscow on May Day gave a brief outline of the i military display made before M. ,| Stalin. Tens of thousands or military marched . past and hundreds of aeroplanes circled the multitude below to demonstrate something of the military ‘ might of Russia. Russia is winning back something of its “stead roller reputation’’ of other days, and the growth is alarming Germany which | suggests the kettle calling the pot black fable. However, the new-born ( Russia has the mysterious Japan on one side as a potential enemy, and Germany on the other side has been boastful since the days of Hindenburg’s triumps. France’s feelings for a strong -military friend can be understood, and probably the smaller nations of Central Europe would like to have the wing of Russia as refuge in

an emergency. It all means that Russia is a counter in the European situation, and is perhaps rather more than that in portions of Asia where lier possessions are being challenged. It is another phase of the general complexity pervading the international situation.