Conference of Master Builders

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 49, 27 February 1943, Page 5

Conference of Master Builders

REMITS DEALT WITH The annual conference of thj New Zealand Federated Builders’ and Contractors’ Industrial Association of Employers, which opened in Palmerston North on Thursday, was continued yesterday, the president (Mr. C. 8. Luney, of Christchurch) being in the chair. The business before delegates yesterday was the consideration of remits, which were dealt with as under:— Apprentices’ rates of wages: “That this association feels that the time has arrived when consideration should be given to an increase in apprentices’ wages in order to attract more boys to learn the trade and that consideration should be given to a more generous allowance towards the purchase of tools. ’ ’ This remit, sent in by Masterton, was turned down because it was generally held that the standard rates should be based upon war conditions. It was stressed that in many cases apprentices were receiving more than tho award rate. Return to normal conditions: “That, whilst we recognise that some control must be exercised owing to present circumstances, we urge that the building trade as a whole be released from this control at the earliest possible moment.” This was moved by Mr. A. E. Alian, fo* Manawatu, who said that there was plenty of urgent work still to bo carried out but that Manawatu thought that the control should be done away with as soon as possible. It was hoped that the executive would keep the matter in view. Mr. A. C. Bodell seconded the motion and Mr. Lindsay, of Southland, said it was a matter which deeply concerned them in Southland. The remit was carried.