A DIFFICULT QUESTION

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LII, Issue 17156, 5 October 1926, Page 7

A DIFFICULT QUESTION

WORKERS IN BLIND HOME AWARD RULES SOUGHT ;Pcr Press Association.* AUCKLAND, this day. The Arbitration Court was asked to add the Jubilee Institute for the Blind as a party to the wicker and rattan workers' award. Mr. Wright, for the employers, said the institute had recently opened a shop for business, and as the institute was supported by contributors. its competitors were at a disadvantage. It was recognised as a very difficult matter, but the employers must protect themselves in the. interests °f their own workers. It was also stated that the institute had a man on the road touring New Zealand. Mr. Clutha McKenzie, director of the institute, said the object of the institute was to train b'.ind people so that they would be capable of earninsi a living outside. The men worked 40 to 42 hours weekly, and women 32£ hours. If the institute, was made a party to tlict award, the pension system would be interfered with. The bulk of the inmates over 19 received a pension of 17s 6d it week, plus 25 per cent, of their earnings, provided that from all sources the amount did not exceed £3 12s 6d per week. A general increase in wages would represent £2OOO per year, which they could not stand. Mr. Justic Frazer said it was a difficult question. The Court would carefully weigh what had been said, and give a decision later.