BASIC WAGE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 1 May 1937, Page 9

BASIC WAGE

POSITION OF APPRENTICES EXPLANATION BY MINISTER GENERAL OVERHAUL OF ACT UNDER CONSIDERATION [By Telegraph—Press Association] WELLINGTON, 30th April. Arising from statements made at a meeting of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, the Hon. P. C. Webb, acting Minister of Labour, points out that the basic wage does not apply to apprentices employed under contracts of apprenticeship entered into under the Apprentices Act, irrespective of age. Provision was made in the Statutes Amendment Act last session to enable the Minister of Labour to approve of any contract of apprenticeship applying to youths of 18 years of age and over under any conditions the Minister thought fit. This provision was made specially to give such youths an opportunity of becoming tradesmen.

The number of apprentices in skilled trades in 1928 was 10,227, and in 1936 it was 3502. In order to maintain the necessary supply, there should be approximately 2000. New apprenticeships entered into each year during the last five years number approximately 700. Last year there was some improvement, 1292 new contracts being registered. It should be understood, however, that of the present number of apprentices a large proportion are in their fourth or fifth year. The position disclosed that employers are not availing themselves of the existing provisions for taking on apprentices and are not training the requisite number, to supply the demand and meet further requirements. The Government is fully alive to the problem and the question of a general overhaul of the Apprentices Act is under consideration. It is also pointed out that it is open to employers’ and workers: organisations to come together with a view to obtaining apprenticeship orders in other occupations than where there is an award or an industrial agreement. After referring to the provision for obtaining underrate permits in special cases, Mr Webb stated that if it were found necessary to remove any disabilities that cannot be overcome in the manner outlined the matter would receive the sympathetic consideration of the Government.