QUESTION FOR DECISION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 24 November 1938, Page 2

QUESTION FOR DECISION

IN ARBITRATION COURT ARE CARBONETTES OR BRIQUETTES COAL? I Lulled P**e«i Association! I AUCKLAND, 23rd November "The question for decision really amounts to this: Are carbonettcs or briquettes coal?” said Mr Justice O’Regan, president of the Court of Arbitration, in delivering his opinion on an application for an interpretation of a clause in the New Zealand (except Westland) drivers’ award. The application was made by the Inspector of Awards, Auckland. The clause in question directs, inter alia, that drivers employed in loading or unloading more than five tons of cement, basic slag, plaster, basic phosphate, guano or lime on any one day in loads of more than one ton each, or drivers employed in handling coal in any quantity in sacks exceeding 1801 b net weight shall be paid at the rate of ld a ton extra for each ton handled. The provisions relating to the handling of coal will not operate until six months after the making of the award. The question on which the court was j asked to give an opinion was whether ! the amount of ld a ton was payable I in respect of the handling of carbon- : ettes and briquettes in any quantity in sacks exceeding 1801 b net weight. J “The evidence show f ed that w’hile , coal is the major ingredient in carbonj ettes or briquettes, other material is | added and a special process is performed in manufacturing them,” said I his Honour. “A similar question is whether bread is flour simply because flour is the major ingredient of bread, j The answer to the question is ‘No.’ **