FAIRBURNS CONTRACT.

Northland Age, Volume 25, Issue 15, 6 August 1925, Page 2

FAIRBURNS CONTRACT.

(To the Editor). Sir, —I did not intend to again enter into this controversy as the matter has been dealt with by the Council, but in your issue of July 30 appears a letter signed by Walter Metcalfe, whose chief complaint appears to be that I would not work overtime, that is ten hours per day. He does not understand that an employer is compelled to pay overtime rates for all work done after eight hours per day, or to put it more plainly lie must pay three hours wages for two hours labour, and quite right too as when a man has done an honest eight hours labour he wants a rest. But there are others, if not under supervision, will stay on the job (I don’t say work) and will take as much overtime as the employer is prepared to deal out. These I always view with suspicion, but by . arrangement we work 8% hours per day with Saturday afternoon off. As this crusher was crushing 25 c yds for 8% hours, I cannot yet see where Mr. Metcalfe is going to get another 10 yds-v through in 1% hours. As I am I

interested, will he bring along these men who can ? Mr. Metcalfe says he saw crushers working 20 years ago. Probably if he takes a careful look round he might recognise this one as his old friend of 20 years back. He admits he gave figures to Mr. Kitchen, and maintains they are correct. Unfortunately, in some communities one will find a few, who are quite prepared to stab another in the back, in an endeavour to seek a little favouritism with those who for the time being are in a position to place a little ot the County funds in their hands. These men forget that a workman is judged by his work, not by his ability to crawl. Of course, Mr. Metcalfe, as spreader, was looking tor a bit ot overtime, and with that in view he tried to prime Cr. Kitchen, but had he been getting the 50 c yds per day I venture to say he would cry “enough” at 5 p. 111., whereas with only 25yds he was really getting 8 hours wages for 4 hours work. Thus at overtime rate he would receive JI hours wages for 5 hours work. Truly he would be doing well in this country. Now, Mr. Metcalfe, do not again butt out of your turn into other peoples affairs, as by your own admission you know no more about this subject, than your old boar pig knows about astronomy. I am, etc., J. Stuart. Kaitaia 1/8/25.