PROFITS IN FURNITURE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 14947, 21 March 1912, Page 8

PROFITS IN FURNITURE.

LITTLE OUTSIDE COMPETITION.

[BY. TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Christchcrcii, Wednesday. Addressing tho Conciliation Council yes-

terday in the furniture trades dispute, Mr.

D. G. Sullivan, who appeared on behalf

of the workers, said it was 10 years since

the present minimum wago had been fixed.

If tho position were taken up that the

industry would not stand tho increase

asked, for, ho said that the workers could

not be held responsible for any lack of ability or of capital on the part of any

employer. The union would challenge the ttatement that the industry could not hear the increase. Ho could name a Christchurch employer, in regard to whom tho employer's brother, who was at that timo shortly to become his partner, had assured him again and again that ho was clearing nearer £2000 than £1000 a year out of tho furniture made in tho factory, and sold in their retail business. That employer was employing less than a dozen workers. The Commissioner and the employers' assessors expressed surprise at the sum mentioned, and Mr. Jolly pointed out that if the employees were not prepared to have that statement as to earning proved on oath, then Mr. Sullivan should not ■ have made it.

Mr. Sullivan gavo the Commissioner the man's name privately. Mr. Jolly said it was a pity that the man's books could not be produced for the Council's information.

The Commissioner remarked that he had the power to compel the production of any books required for the information of tho Council. The employers' assessors scouted the idea of an employer making £166 a year profit from the work of each worker, but Mr. Moriarty thought £3 a week was not an out-of-the-way profit to realise on each man's work. Mr. Sullivan went on to say that some years ago the Canterbury Industrial Association made au investigation into imports, and it was then shown that the furniture trade was in a more favourable position in regard to competition from imports than any other trade.