ACCOMODATION AT FLAX MILLS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3033, 1 May 1912, Page 12

ACCOMODATION AT FLAX MILLS.

DEPUTATION TO MB LAUEENSON. WELLINGTON, April 26. A deputation from the Manawatu Flaxpull Employees’ Union waited on the Minister of Labour (the Hon. G. Laurenson) this afternoon. The deputation represented that the accommodation provided for the workers at the mills was not sufficient, and the deputation asked for two new rooms, wire-woven stretchers and mattresses, bathrooms, lavatories, and so on. ' At present, said one speaker, the accommodation was insanitary, and in many cases indecent. At one mill there were 23 men in one room, and there was no provision for privacy of any description. Unless the accommodation was set out in the regulations they would not get what they ought to have. The deputation also objected to the system of contracting for labour only, which cut them away from the advantages of the award and the Accommodation Act, and put them outside the Compensation Act. They urged that the Arbitration Act should be amended so as to make such contracts illegal. Other requests of the deputation were that first-aid appliances should be provided at all mills, on account of the frequency of accidents, and that there*should be a common sitting room for each mill. “ 1 have been in several industries.” said one speaker. •* and I think the accommodation in flaxmills is the worst I have ever seen.’’ The Minister, in replying, said that Mr Bobertson, M.P., had on many occasions brought the matter under his notice. The requests of the deputation appeared to him very reasonable, more especially in regard to bathrooms and shelter from draughts. It was abominable that men should be compelled to associate with those whose very presence was an offence. He would get a report from the Secretary of Labour and bring the matter before Cabinet without delay.