PAINTERS' FEDERATION

Otago Witness, Issue 3400, 14 May 1919, Page 6

PAINTERS' FEDERATION

CONFERENCE IN CHRISTCHUKCH. A dominion conference of the Painters' .and Decorators' Employees' Federation was held in Christchurch during the last few days (says the Press). Mr F. Cullen presided, and the following delegates were present :—Auckland, Mr H. Horning ; Gisborne, Mr M. Beyers; Napier, Mr D. Golder; Wellington, Messrs J. Salmon and F. Wallis; Nelson, Mr F. Cullen; Christchurch, Messrs G. Owen and W. Bell; Timaru, Mr G. E. Kawlings; Oamaru, Mr li. Stickman; Dunedin, Mr P. Wilson; Mr F. Cornwell (federal secretary). The conference adopted the following remits : This conference strongly protests against the action of the Court of Arbitration in insituting a system of classification in the painting trade without hearing evidence on the question and the objections from the representatives of the trade. That the executive urge the abolition of the Arbitration Court; that greater powers be extended to tho Conciliation Councils that will provide for all disputes having to reach a final settlement; that a commissioner with fully accredited assessors only shall sit in the Conciliation Council. That in all matters connected with disputes before the Conciliation Council and Arbitration Court, the executive shall have full control.

That conference reaffirm the demand that the use of white lead be prohibited in the painting trade, and that the Painters and Decorators Health Protection Bill be urged to be put into operation. That an inspector be appointed by r!.« Government from the officials of local unions with power to inspect plant, ladders, and gear, and to condemn and nave destroyed any such plant, etc., which they consider unsafe.

That the executive draft a Bill for the purpose of registration of painters, and u© same be submitted to the unions for a plebiscite of the members. That amendments be obtained to_ the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act for the purpose of obtaining a dominion award, to have a dominion clerk of awards appointed to have one union in each frade throughout the country. That in all districts where painters' unions exist an endeavour be made to establish building trades committees. That the conference approve of the constitution of the National Industrial Alliance of Labour, and the executive be instructed to use their best endeavours to bring this state of organisation into being. The executive be instructed to review the status of apprentices, both with regard to the trade and the operation of new awards. The question of the repatriation of returned soldiers as affecting the painting trade was referred to the executive, wth, power to take such action as they deem fit. The conference adopted the main claivw for a dominion award, the local conditions to be supplied by each union. The executive of the federation has oeen appointed to Wellington. The next conference will be held at Timaru during 1921.