BUILDERS’ FEDERATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 3754, 23 February 1926, Page 15

BUILDERS’ FEDERATION.

ANNUAL MEETING. Tlie New Zealand Federated Builders’ Association opened its twenty-sixth annual conference in the Early Settlers’ Hall on Wednesday. There was a large attendance of delegates, their wives, and daughters over whom the president (Mr J. M‘Cormack, Dunedin) presided. The following delegates answered the roll Call:— Messrs H Mainland, A. M. Wilson, A. Fletcher, W. A. W. Greenfield, W. Wil li&mson. J. W. Fawcett, J. M'Cormack (executive), G. D. Dick, A. H. Mildenhall, G. Booth (Wellington), G. Pollard, C. A. Lee, J. H. Hutchinson (Auckland) J. W Graham, G. C. Bull, W. H. Winsoi (Can terbury), J. Boon (Taranaki), J. Sheen (Gisborne), H. Campbell, and Nightingale (Hawke’s Bay) J. Anderson, T. Ross, F L. Lawrence (Otago), Ball, G. Davys. D. Gray (Southland) W. H. Bennett (Pal merston North), K Walpole, L. W. Chis holm (Wanganui), 11. H. Johnston (Nel ■on). A welcome to the delegates was extended by the Mayor (Mr H. L. Tapley, M.P.). Mr Tapley said he was confident that the remits set down for discussion were remits that would be of great value not only to the builders themselves, but aJso to the community' at large. lie did not know whether one of the remits would have to do with reducing in some way the cost of building. That perhaps was beyond their control, unless they could get cheaper timber and more bricks laid in a day. The cost of materials and labour he took Hi were the reasons for the cost of building being so much greater now than in pre-war days; and it was these things that wore causing so much difficulty in regard to the housing of the workers. If the delegates could only solve that problem they would be of great assistance to our centres of population and to the Govern ment, who had to face this difficulty at the present time. Builders played an important part in the development of our cities, and to them a great deal of credit was due for the beautiful buildings we saw around us. He had great pleasure in welcoming them all to Dunedin A brief and suitable reply was made by Mr H. W Bennett (Wellington) who assured the Mayor that the delegates anticipated a pleasant stay in Dunedin. The President also expressed the appreciation of the delegates at the attendance and the welcome given by the Mayor The adoption of the annual report was moved by the President. The report stated that there was clearly a definite shortage in the Dominion of journeymen carpenters and bricklayers, as well as of plasterers. In view of the evidence of continued activity in building operations in the Do minion and of the unemployment in Great Britain it would be in the interests of all concerned if a goodly number of trained men were brought to the Dominion by the Immigration Department. The department had been informed that the building trades throughout the Dominion were prepared to find practically permanent employment for 166 carpenters, 45 bricklayers, 45 plasterers, and six stonemasons. There had been no serious difficulties with regard to the se curing of supplies of all classes of material The prices of local timbers were increasing every year, but not to the extent of seriously retarding . building operations, while the importation of approximately 60 million feet of saw timber during*tho last 12 months must have materially eased any shortage in supplies In addition, very large quantities of American timbers and of plaster any other composition boards were being imported, and the use of these for building purposes was having a very marked effect upon the demand for certain classes of New Zealand timbors. Supplies of cement in sufficient quantity for presentday requirements were now available. The Kices of all hardware were settling down a permanent range of prices. The conference approver! of the special *shedule (for census pm poses) received from the Government Statistician, who asked for comments. The conference further decided that members should be recommended to 00-operate in supplying the matter to the Incoming executive. When it was stated that the schedule would saddle extra work on the builders, it was pointed out that the information would also be of value to , the members of the federation. BUILDING STONE. At the previous annual conference it was decided to ask the Department of Indue-

tries and Commerce to compile a report on the building stones of New Zealand. The Secretary read correspondence on the subject, including a letter from the Director of Geological Survey, who recommended that the matter be referred to the Public Works Department He mentioned that the request was receiving the attention of the Mines Department. Mr Wihsor remarked that it was a shame that there was no modern publication on stone and timber- and the Government should be asked to - undertake the work, this federation assisiting financially if necessary. The conference decided, by 15 votes to six, to ask the Canterbury branch to prepare a report, as it was willing and had the necessary facilities. SCAFFOLDING. With regard to this question the following remit was submitted by the Auckland branch: “That steps be taken to amend various regulations under the Scaffolding Act, and that the executive be instructed to circularise branches for suggestions.’’ The Canterbury branch tabled the following suggested alterations to the Act as follow:—Page 2, clause 2, to read after the word “regulations” in the third line—- “ This clause shall not apply to any temporary scaffolding used to support workmen engaged in fixing into position any girder, truss, etc., or any gear that is supported by any substantially constructed part of a building, provided that any such scaffolding shall be so constructed as to be safely used by workmen.” Page 3, clause 1 to read after first paragraph—“ All cranes shall, after erection and before being put into commission, be tested with a load of 33 per cent, more than”— and so to the end of the paragraph. All derricks, hoist 9 lifts or any such similar gear, shall when required by the inspector, be similarly tested. . t Page 4, clause 6, second paragraph—- “ Standards shall be not more than nine feet apart. The timber up to 35 feet from the ground, shall be not less than four inches by three inches, if over 35 feet and up to 70 feet, the timber shall 4in x 3in for the top 35 feet and sin x 3in for the bottom 35 feet, if over 70 feet the timber for the two upper lifts shall be as above, and the lower timbers shall be 6in x 4in. Page 4, ninth paragraph—“ Scaffolding shall be secured either by raanila rope not less than l£in in circumference and 18 feet long, |in iron stirrups or by bolts not less than £in in diameter.” to the end of the paragraph. Page 6, clause 10—“ All ladders must extend 3ft 6in above the stepping-off place.’’ The Canterbury branch recommended that scaffolding certifkates be issued to the employer covering foremen and any competent workmen in his employ. The Canterbury branch further recommended that the Act be altered to its original drafting, and that scaffolds over 16 feet be notified and those under 12 feet be exempt. The Southland branch submitted the following remit:—‘That the conference be asked to consider trying to have the Scaffolding Act amended to make the height of the ladder 3ft 6in above the landing instead of the sft as laid down in the Act.” The local remit was: “That j conference instruct the Federation Executive to draw the attention of the Government to certain irksome regulations under the Scaffolding and Excavation A?* with a view to their amendment or deletion during the next session of Parliament.” The President explained that the pro posnls arose out of the !\aipukurau case, from which it appeared that n new certificate was necessary if only the slightest changes were made. Mr J. W. Graham stated that the Canterbury branch’s proposals had the approval of some of the inspectors. After some discussion it was resolved that it be an instruction to the executive that they should endeavour to have the Act amended i? accordance with the Canterbury remits. APPRENTICES. The following remit on this question was tabled by the Auckland branch‘‘That tho Apprentices] Act be iscussed with the view of ascertaining how best to have the principles of the measure more generously adapted.” Mr G. Pollard said that he was speaking on behalf of 400 employer! and 2000 journeymen. He was si •« that a number of apprentices had not been getting a fair run. The Act seemed to be a fair one, but he would like to see the Government appoint a suitable man in each district

to see that the provisions of the Act were properly carried out. After several other delegatee had detailed their experiences. Mr C. A. Lee said the time had come when apprentices should be taught one particular branch of building, and moved—" That the executive take steps to gather information in order that a central court be supplied with the means of having the Act administered in a similar way in all centres.” The motion was seconded by Mr J. H. Hutchinson. ' Mr J. W. Graham moved an amendment that each district should fix this matter up according to its local circumstances and that the conference should not approve of daytime instruction in technical schools Mr W. 11. Winsor seconded the amendment. After some discussion the amendment was carried by a large majority. CONTRACTORS AND WORKMEN’S LIENS’ ACT. “That consideration be given to section 59. sub-section 2, of the above Act with the object of adopting a resolution in favour of having the Act amended «o that the amount to be retained by employers or contractors for the purpose of liens shall be reduced from 25 per cent, .to 10 per cent.” was a remit sent f orward by the Auckland branch. Mr Pollard, in bringing forward the remit, stated that the Act was most unfair, and moved that the incoming executive be instructed take the necessary steps to have the Act amended. Mr Hutchinson seconded the motion, r W. Williamson moved an amendment that the 25 per cent, be kept on all contracts up to £SOOO, and that the amount retained on contracts of over £SOOO be 10 per cent. Mr G L. Bull seconded the amendment. On being put to the vote both amendment and motion were thrown out. ARBITRATION COURT AWARDS. The Canterbury branch tabled remit—- “ That it be the policy of the federation in future to strive for the continuance of district awards, instead of Dominion awards, in all Labour districts.” The remit was moved by Mr Winsor, but, after some discussion, it waa defeated. This, concluded the afternoon session, and it was decided not to hold an evening session. The conference was resumed on Thursday morning in the Early Settlers’ Hall. There was a full attendance of delegates, the president (Mr J. The greater part of the morning’s business was taken in committee. ACCIDENT INSURANCE. Southland tabled a remit on this question as follows: —‘That the conference discuss the Insurance Act bearing on the insurance of apprentices.” Mr Gray moved that legal opinion should be sought as to the liability of insurance companies in respect to apprentices outside working hours. Mr Ball seconded the motion. Mr Grenfell was of the opinion that while the apprentice was under the control of the employer the last-named was liable, and while he was out of control the employer was not liable. • Mr Booth asked whether the employei was liable during the time an apprentice was attending a technical college. Mr Grenfell thought that legal opinion should be secured on this point. Mr Gray said he had approached a certain insurance company who had informed him that the apprentice could claim for wages but not for loss of limbs, etc. The President stated that an apprentice of his had lost two fingers in a saw and the insurance company had paid up without demur. The motion was carried. IMPORTATION OF TIMBER. The following remit on this question—namely “That the conference give au expression of opinion in view of the pub licity given to the importation of timbers and consider what action will be taken re garding the proposed increase in duties on same,” was tabled by the Southland branch Mr Ball moved to the effect that the conference protest against an increased duty On imported timbers Mr Hutcheson seconded the motion. Mr W. H. Bennett expressed the opinion that it was the duty of the conference to keep the duty on certain imported lines as low as possible. There was a market in Australia for the inferior New Zealand timbers Mr A. ri. Mildenhall, in supporting the motion, said that there was no doubt tha r the shortage of timber was going to be world wide. It was their duty to conserve the valuable local timbers and he thought that they should strongly oppose any m creased duty on certain lines. Mr M’Cormack said he thought tho motion could be modified by adding that no extra duty be imposed on sawn Oregon or imported hardwoods. Mr J. Graham suggested that each dis trict should submit a report to a committee who would consider it and report to tho next conference. Tho motion was carried. The luncheon adjournment was then taken. TTie conference resumed at 2 p.m. FEDERATION RULES. The next remit to be considered was one sent forward by the Auckland branch, “l hat the operations of the federation exe cutive be reviewed with the ob ecl of having the rules adhered to, or of devising means to reform the present system under which practically all matters apart from the annual conference are dealt with by members in Wellington, without consultation with the principal officials of the federation.” Mr Leo, in introducing the matter, said that this remit was by way of being a hardy annual, but there was no doubt from their point of view, that the time had come for a change. Mr Fawcett said Auckland had tried to get a more uniform representation. Each centre should have one representative on the executive, and he would move that each affiliated association should have one member on the executive. He thought that it would be better for the builders throughout New Zealand to have matters changod in this manner. Mr Hutcheson seconded the motion. The President said it was impossible lor him to accept the motion as it was not in order. Mr Mainland spoke in defence of the present system and said that it was impracticable to summon members from other centres every time a conference wee necessary.

Mr J. Graham moved that a sub-corn mittee, consisting of the president of .he federation and two members each from Auckland, Wellington. Christchurch and Dunedin centres be set up to bring forward a new set of rules for the Federation for consideration at next conference. Mr Williamson ..econded the motion. Mr Graham said the rules were antiquated and the slogan should be "Progress.” Mr Lee said the form of the motion was acceptable to him and he had much pleasure in supporting it. The motion was carried. Another remit on the question of the amendment of the rules of the federation was one from Canterbury: “That the executive be located for two years in the North Island, then for two years in the South Island, and so on alternately. 12 months’ notice to be given to the centre in which the executive is to be looated. That the executive consist of a president a vice-president, and a committee of five, to be appointed at the annual onference. That the president and committee be elected from the centre where fhe executive is to be located. That a-parlia-mentary committee of three be located in Wellington.” Mr Graham moved that these suggestions be supplied to the special sub-com-mittee set up. for its favourable consideration. Mr Walpole seconded the motion. Mr Wilson moved an amendment that the word “favourable” be omitted and Mr Ball seconded the amendment. After some discussion Mr Graham agreed to the word t “favourable” being delated from his motion. The motion was defeated on a show of hands. A further remit from Canterbury was “that the rules of the federation be amended to provide that the immediate past-president becomes automatically a member of tho executive. Mr Winsor, who introduced the remit incorporated it in a motion which was seconded by Mr Ball. Mr Winsor said that the immediate pastpresident was a most valuable man and his knowledge of the events of the previous year would be very acceptable to the incoming executive in each year. Mr Fletcher said he thought Mr Winsor ought to withdraw his motion as a special committee had been set up to evolve new rules and their hands should not be fettered Mr Williamson suggested that Mr Winsor change his motion so that it read that it be a recommendation to the special committee. * Mr Graham said he would support the motion as it stood. All other public bodies had a rule that the immediate past president automatically became a member of the executive. The motion was carried. CONFERENCE CONCLUDED. The conference concluded on Friday morning in the Early Settlers’ Hall, the president (Mr J. M'Cormack) being in the chair. AFFILIATION WITH AUSTRALIA. Mr Winsor moved that the Executive Committee consider some method of affi liation with the Australian Federation of Master Builders, and notify the affiliated associations during the next six months of their intentions. Mi letoher seconded the motion. Mr Winsor said that there was the ci—.ger of losing their individuality under the term Australian Federation, but he thought there were big advantages to be gained in affiliating with the Australian body. The New Zealand builders would get good value from this association with the Australian body as they would secure complete reports on research work, labour problems, and other matters of interest. Mr Grenfell pointed out that there were very heavy financial obligations and the position would have to be made clear to to Australian body that affiliation with them was desired at a nominal figure. The motion was carried. TISH INSTITUTE OF BUILDERS. The question of affiliation with the British Institute of Builders was the next question discussed. Mr W. H. Winsor reported on the progress made in Australia in connection with this movement and stated that if any New Zealand builder were going to receive affiliation with the British Institute it would be necessary to introduce diploma courses ‘n the secondary and university schools. There was already established at Cambridge University, such a course showing that the Mother Country was alive to the valuo of such a course to the community. Mr Finlay Munro, F. 1.0.8., had written to him and asked him to act as convener i nd organiser for the movement in the Dominion in order that the necessary arrangements might be made with the <tie9 to secure diploma courses in schools and colleges. Mr Mainland moved a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Winsor, who had attended the annual meeting of the Australian Federation at his own expense and had represented New Zealand with credit to himself and to their body.—(Applause.) Mr Fletcher, in speaKing of the work of Mr Winsor in enthusiastic terms, said he would tro further and move that Mr Winsor be appointed convener of the Provisional Committee. Several other speakers, in supporting the motion, expressed their appreciation of the sterling work of Mr Winsor. The motion was carried. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Tlie office-bearers were all re-elected for a further term:— President, Mr J. M'Cormack; vice-presi-dent, Mr F. J. Fawcett; treasurer, Mr W. Parkin; executive, Messrs H. Mainland anti W Williamson; auditors. Messrs G. Dick and J. C. Brown; representative on New Zealand Employers’ Federation Advisory Board. Mr Mainland. Messrs C. Anderson, W. Ross tDunedin), C. A. Lee, J 11. Hutchison (Auckland), \V. 11. Winsor, J. W. Graham (Christchurch), A. Wilson and A. Fletcher (We. 1 - lington), were elected members of the Special Committee to go into the question of bringing the rules of the federation up to date. It wa9 decided that tho noxt conference should be held in Wellington in February. Mr Mildenhall moved a hoarty vote of thanks to tho Dunedin branch for the fine manner in which they had entertained the delegates from other centres and for the trouble they had gone to, to make tneir stay in Dunedin such an enjoyable one. A hearty vote of thanks to the chair closed the business of the oonfercnce. The Otago branch of the Fcdorated Builders provided a motor trip around the ©ity on Friday morning for the families and

friends of the delegates to the annual conference.