ARBITRATION COURT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 200, 24 July 1936, Page 10

ARBITRATION COURT.

HOURS IN BUILDING TRADE. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Julv 23. Fourteen representatives of the workers in the building industry appeared in the Arbitration Court to-day to support applications for amendments to the awards to provide for a 40-hour week for those employed in the trade. The applications were opposed by the New Zealand Federated Builders’ and Contractors’ Industrial Association of Employers and its affiliated associations, the New Zealand Electrical Federation, the Master Plasterers’ Associations, the Fibrous Plaster Manufacturers and the Branda Quarry and Shingle Company, Ltd. Mr F. D. Cornwall, who appeared for the bricklayers, painters, plumbers. plasterers and electrical workers, said the object of the legislation was to restore to employment some of the hundreds of artisans now unemployed and he submitted that that could only be done by a reduction of hours from 44 to 40 a week. It was considerably over thirty years since there had been any reduction in the hours of work in the building industry, and during that period considerable changes had taken place in the methods of building construction in all of its departments, resulting in la-bour-saving methods being adopted, thus reducing employment generally. Decision was reserved.

FRUIT AND PRODUCE PACKERS. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Julv 23. The Arbitration Court heard arguments in favour of a week of over 40 hours for storemen and packers employed by fruit and produce merchants throughout New Zealand, with the exception of Auckland, ilie Auckland, cases are being adjourned to the sitting of the Court there. The application for extension of hours was made by Mr "W. E- Anderson. After hearing evidence the Court reserved its decision.