UNLABELLED GARMENTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 15 June 1936, Page 6

UNLABELLED GARMENTS

BREACH OF FACTORIES ACT SMALL FINE IMPOSED (United Press Association) AUCKLAND, 12th June. For failing to label garments made in an unregistered factory, Robinson Brothers, Limited, a city firm of clothing manufacturers, was prosecuted in the Magistrate’s Court by the Department of Labour. Mr Neumegen, who appeared for the firm, pleaded guilty. Mr G. F. Grieve, who appeared for the department, said the case was unusual, being brought under the section of the Factories Act headed “Suppression of sweating in factories,” which stated that if the occupier of a factory desired to give out work to be done elsewhere certain provisions must be complied with. Some of the required sections had been complied with, but not that which required garments on which such work was done to be labelled. The defendant had no knowledge of the provision, and produced books showing the work which had been put out. The required label was “This garment was made in an unregistered factory.” Mr Neumegen said the practice had gone on for years, but immediately the firm had been advised the proper label had been used. “It seems to be necessary from time to time to prosecute somebody to draw attention to some provisions that are not generally known,” said the Magistrate, Mr McKean. Mr Grieve pointed out that there had been no attempt at concealment, but the offence was exceedingly difficult to detect. The matter was dealt with in new legislation, which made it mandatory for the occupier of a factory to advise the department before giving out work. A fine of 10s and costs was imposed.