TIMBER WORKERS’ COMPLAINTS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3513, 12 July 1921, Page 20

TIMBER WORKERS’ COMPLAINTS.

LAX ADMINISTRATION ALLEGED. i Y ELLINGTON, July 8. A deputation from the Timber Workers’ Conference _ waited to-day upon the Acting Prime Minister and the Minister of Public Works asking that various amendments be made to the Arbitration Act and other laws. The amendments were desired io enable dominion agreements to be made between the federations. They a.-ked for a 44 hours' week and payment of all medical expenses in accident cases. Strong complaints were made about the administration of the Inspection of Machinery Act during the last 18 months. The spirit of the Act was being evaded, particularly by dairy factories. Safety to life and limb should be the first consideration. The inspection of machinery plant as well as of engines and boilers was desired. The deputation asked that employers be compelled to insure the workers before engaging labour, as it was of no use claiming compensation from « man of straw. The deputation asked that tho men’s representative be permitted io accompany the Government inspectors when they were inspecting the sawmills. Complaint was made that the Act passed last year for the inspection of bush tramways and bridges had not been put into operation. though, for example, many West Coast tramways arid bridges were in a per fectly disgraceful state. _ Legislation compelling sawmil’ers to provide bathrooms and drying rooms for men, and to provide as a minimum four room huts for married men was also asked for, and that wiigi s be made the first claim on a bankrupt estate. Sir Francis Bel] replied that he must first consult 1 1 is colleagues on the matters requiring legislation, but he added: “I agree with your principle that machinery should be efficiently inspected, and that the first; consideration should be the protection of life end limb. Your representations on that point will bo more than carefully considered by us. it is just the sort of thing, I think, a body like sours has every right to living before the Government. 1 shall deal with it through my officers. I am in entire sympathy with what you have put forward. The Hon. J. G. Coates said that, regarding the complaints about bush tram ways and bridges, all the union had to do was to apply to the nearest district engineer of the I’ublic V' or!-. 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.