STOREMEN'S AWARD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16950, 9 September 1918, Page 6

STOREMEN'S AWARD.

QUESTION OF MEAL HOUR.

Several applications for exemption from awards were dealt with in the Arbitration Court on Saturday. Mr. Justice Stringer and Messrs. Scott and McCullough presided. ! A number of city firms and companies (Mr. Wright) soight to have their names struck out o the Auckland United Storemen's Award. In all cases the chief point of difficulty was the provision that " one hour shall be allowed for meals." To this the fruit auctioneers, in particular, objected on account of the interference of a raid-day interval with the continuity of fruit mi'-iions >•. the busy season. It was pointea out b} the Court that under the clause the meal-hour could be allowed at any tine of the day. " You could even bj fas'.-ionable," observed His Honor, " anr'i ~ive it at six o'clock." After hearing eviience, the Court reserved its decision.

In the case of the Colonial Sugar Company, which also applied for its omission from the same award, it was intimated that the company's storemen were not particularly anxious to remain under the award as long as the rate ' ' wages fixed by it was maintained. To this the company h d no objection. The Court reserved ,cs decision, intimating that it thought it could find a method of satisfying both sides. The New Zealand Portland Cement Company and H. 0. Wiles Ltd., were struck out of the award, as their employees already have the benefit of other awards. An application was made by the Northern Fishermen's Union for the fixing at 7 a.m. of the hour at which coaling should be started on trawling vessels. Under the award coaling may be done at any .me after 5 p.m., subject to the payment of a rate of 2s 6d an hour Mr. S. *E. Wright appeared for Sanford. Ltd.. and did not oppose the amendment. The application wp.s granted.