DISPUTE IN THE TAILORING TRADE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2286, 23 December 1897, Page 11

DISPUTE IN THE TAILORING TRADE.

An adjourned sitting of the Arbitration Court was held at the Supreme Court on the Bth for the purpose of considering the dispute between the Dunedin Operative Tailora' Society and themaßter tailors of Dunedin. The court was constituted as follows :—His Honor Mr Justice -Williams (pi esident), Mr 11. Thomson (representing the employers), and Mr R. Slater (representing the employees)' Messrs R. C. Wilton and Thomas Young appeared en behalf of the Dunedin, Operative Tailors' Society, and Messrs James Crombiej W. lies, and Alex. Robb on behalf of the master tailorf. Tho following conditions of labour wdre asked for by the Tailors' Society :—"(1): —"(1) That the number" of apprentices be limited "to one to foiir pieceworkers or fraction of the first four; all apprentice? to be indentured after a tlnee months' trial, and to terve for five years. (2) That not more than one day-wage man be-allowed to each shop ; the day-wage man to have charge of the apprentices, and have no other permanent assistance. (b) Members of the society to have the pre-emptive right < f employment. The 1 minimum wage for day-wage men shall be £2 10s (5) The hours of labour shall bo from 8 n.m. to 5 p.m., with one hour for dinner, acd on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m." The society also asked that where females are employed they make and press their own work. The evidence was voluminous and exhaustive.