BAKER'S CONFERENCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13691, 6 March 1908, Page 6

BAKER'S CONFERENCE.

IMPORTANT RESOLUTIONS

[BY TEL KG . —PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

New Plymouth. Thursday. At the Bakers' Conference yesterday the Pure Food Bill was discussed. It was decided that the executive draw the attention of the Health Department to the fact that the regulations regarding moisture in bread are unworkable, and suggest that the test comprise both crumbs and crust; and also approach the Department with regard to the exemption of different classes of bread.

Mr. White (Dunedin) moved that the sliding scale be revised, remarking the present scale was not quite satisfactory. Mr. Budd submitted a scale" based on an increase of £1 5s per ton of flour as follows: —With flour at £8 per ton, bread 6d per 41b loaf; at £9 5s per ton, ; at £10 10s per ton, 7d; at £11 15s per ton, 7jd; at £13 per ton, Bd. This was adopted.

Mr. McParland (Wellington) moved: That in framing all future awards it be specified that no overtime be paid until a full week's work of 51 hours has been completed."

Mr. Smerdon said the Auckland Union was strongly in favour of the proposal. The Auckland bakers also sought in their now award provision for the payment for the actual hours worked, and also held the view that holidays should not be paid for. The motion was carried.

The Auckland delegates asked if the conference could give any suggestion with regard to the prevention of underselling. The President said that there could be no objection to merchants or millers supplying undersellers with flour so long as they paid cash for it. The conference discussed the advisableness of allowing a foreman to be a member of the Workers' Union.

Mr. McParland said no man could serve two masters, and he could not serve his employer and the anion as well.

_ Mr. Smerdon advocated freedom of action in the selection of men, preference being given to the best man, whether unionist or non-unionist. He moved: "That in the framing of awards preference he given to the best man, whether unionist or non-unionist." No action was taken.

the provincial unions were recommended to join the local branches of the Employers' Association. Officers were re-elected as follows: — President, Mr: W. H. Kellow (Wellington) ; vice-president, Mr. J. G. Laurenson (Dunedin): treasurer. Mr. McParland < Wellington); auditors, Messrs. Denhard and Langdon ; executive, Messrs. Kellow, Denhard, McParland and Langdon; tritetees, Messrs. Denhard and Langdon.