Registration of Builders As Public Protection

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 40, 17 February 1938, Page 4

Registration of Builders As Public Protection

TO BE APPROACHED

The need for Jhe compulsory registration of builders under a legal authority was discussed by the conference of the New Zealand Builders * Federation in Palmerston North yesterday, when it was decided to approach the Government in the matter. It was considered the registration of only those who are competent to carry on business as a builder would improve the standard and be of value to the industry and the building public. The secreary, Mr. W. J. Mountjoy, said the Prime Minister (Hon. M. J. Savage) had expressed himself in favour of the suggestion, but so far the Government had not moved in the matter.

Reference was made to the question in the annual report of the executive presented to ( the conference. It was stated that the demand for registration is kept alive and strengthened by the undesirable methods of incompetent persons who enter the industry and compete unfairly, in most cases, against the bona fide contractor who pays wages in accordance with the law and observes all the conditions and regulations, as well as guarantees good workmanship. It cannot be denied that the setting of a good standard for employers would preserve the industry and enhance the status of those engaged in it. It would also encourage apprentices to become thoroughly efficient knowing that after they have spent their years of learning at the trade, they have laid the foundation for branching out as master builders. Furthermore, they would not be handicapped by having to meet competition from the casual type, who would have no place in the industry. Work performed by those who have neither the qualifications nor the knowledge to build well-built structures cannot but be unsatisfactory to the building owner, who soon discovers he has made a bad bargain. Registration involving an examination of the credentials of applicants for entry into the industry must result in benefit and protection to the owner, builder and those in the industry. It is more essential when the trade is busy than during times of slackness, when an owner can select his builder, but even then the price influences an owner. In many cases incompetents have obtained contracts on price only, much to the sorrow of the owner.

Protection is afforded attorneys, accountants, architects and others who have benefited particularly by the confining of their work to qualified persons. Such protection is also shared by the clientele of professional men, which in effect is in the public interest. The nature of building construction has changed considerably of late years and calls for sound knowledge of scientific construction by those entrusted with the erection of safe structures. Even if registr n does not fully solve the difficult L .ern that the trade is now faced wiiu, it will at least improve the standard in the industry and be a safeguard against open competition from all and sundry, irrespective of qualification.

If it is found that the Government is too busy to give the request attention, endeavours are to be made to get a Bill through the House per medium of a private Member. Mr. T. N. Dickson (Wanganui) voiced the suggestion that if the efforts with the Government failed, the industry might consider the formation of a builders ' institute with a definite qualification for membership. If such a body were formed, the Government could be approached for recognition. The secretary explained the contents of a draft Bill that had been prepared. A board would be set up to decide who shall be registered and applicants would have to satisfy the board that they had completed a prescribed course of study and passed required examinations. There was also a provision for enrolment without examination if the applicant satisfied the board that he had earned his livelihood as a builder for not less than one year prior to the passing of the Bill and had proved competent.