Porters’ Hours at Napier And Hastings Hospitals

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 46, 24 February 1938, Page 2

Porters’ Hours at Napier And Hastings Hospitals

From Our Own Correspondent. NAPIER, Last Night. A wide disparity pet ween wording hours of hospital porters ot Napier and at Hastings, and a lack of consideration by the Hospital. Board for lower-paici workers, was alleged by Mr D. Mcßae, of the Napier branch of the Labour Party, while questioning Mr C. O. Morse on hospital matters in the Community Hall, Napier, Porters at Napier, Mr Mcßae said, worked about 60 hours a week on day shift, and up to 66 at night, whereas their fellow-workers at Hastings only did 42. The rate of pay he described as “miserable,” and suggested that board members did not take sufficient interest in the lower-paid sections of the staff. He thought a contented staff would contribute much to the welfare of the hospital. “If that is so, it’s unjust,” Mr Morse replied. “I can readily understand how it would cost more at Hastings. However, the position has been examined by the unions, and the onus is on them to say what is right axiti what is wrong. Generally, the board is measuring up to the standards set by the unions.” Mr Mcßae: l don’t think it should be beyond the board to be a little human and not wait for the union. Mr Morse: You don’t know Mr Lassen. Mr Mcßae: They have made one handsome contribution —an adjustment by about half an hour. The Hon. W. E. Barnard said he had written to the secretary about the matter, and he agreed that, if there was a manifest injustice, it should be remedied immediately. It was wrong to work such long Hours when the policy of the country tended towards shorter hours. They should certainly be the same ir. both towns. Mr Morse saicTHe understood an effort was being made to bring about better conditions. A statement that better supervision, for outpatients at the Napier Hospital was available now than in December was made by Mr Morse in answer to a questioner, who alleged that, due to inattention, he had two stiff fingers for Life. Mr Morse said he believed the department was now well-equipped and well-attended. A rumour that some persons in authority at the Parke Island Old People’s Home had taken a financial advantage of the inmates’ labour was refuted by Mr Morse. He said it was the usual thing in such institutions for the old people to do the “chores.” Certainly vegetables grown by the old men had been sold, but the men had been compensated in many little ways for their work. i “Don’t think I would not be pleased to give these people more than they get to-day. I have known what it is to go hungry from the table,” said Mr Morse, when asked if he was willing to push,' for better and more varied charitableaid rations from the Hospital Board* However, he added, rising costs and; rapid economic changes had to be considered. Because some children had not received their “Health Germs” at the Napier Hospital, "Uncle Charlie,” of 2ZH, Napier, asked Mr Morse whether it would be possible to get better contact with the children. Mr Morse replied that it had been decided by the board Ic use £SOO from the Sweetapple bequest, and tenders were being called for a new fejrtaUationw ~