TIMBER WORKERS’ COMPLAINTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18293, 9 July 1921, Page 12

TIMBER WORKERS’ COMPLAINTS.

INSPECTION OF MACHINERY. LAX ADMINISTRATION ALLEGED. (Peb United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, July 8. A deputation from tho Timber Workers’ Conference waited to-day upon the Acting Prime Minister and the Minister of Public Works asking that various amendments be made to tho Arbitration Act and other laws. The amendments were desired lo enable dominion agreements lo be made between the federations. They asked for a 44 hours’ week and payment of all medical expenses in accident cases. Strong com plaints were made about I lie administration of tho Inspection of Machinery Act during tho last 13 months. The spirit of the Act was being evaded, particularly by dairy factories. Safety to life and limb should bo tho first consideration. The inspection o' machinery plant as well as of engines and boilers was desired. The deputation asked tliat employers be compelled to insure the workers bolero engaging labour, as it was of no use claiming compensation from a man of straw. The deputation asked that tho men’s representative be' permitted to accompany the Government inspectors when they were inspecting the sawmills. Complaint was made that thp Act passed last year for tile inspection of bush tramwn vs and bridges had not been put into operation. though, for example, many West Ooast tramways and bridges wore in a per fectly disgraceful state. Legislation compelling sawmillors to provide bathrooms and drying rooms for men, and to provide as a minimum four-room huts for married men was also ashed for, and that wages be made the first claim on a bankrupt estate. Sir Francis Bell replied that ho must first consult his colleagues- on the mailers requiring legislation, but he added; ‘T agree with your principle that machinery should bo efficiently inspected, and that the first consideration should bo the protection of life and limb. Your representations on that point will be more than carefully considered by us. It is just the sort of thing. I think, a body like yours lias every right- to bring before tho Government-. I shall deal with it through my officers. I a-m in entire sympathy with what you have put forward. . The Hon. J. G. Coates «aid that, regarding the bomplaints about bush tramways and bridges, all tho union had to do was to apply to tho nearest, district engineer of flio Public Works Department, and it was his business at once to appoint a man to inspect it and ascertain if it was in a fit state. There was no reason why some members of the union' should not accompany the inspectors.