WORK AND WAGES

Southland Times, Issue 18932, 4 May 1923, Page 6

WORK AND WAGES

COST OF LIVING AND WAGES. (Per United Press Association). DUNEDIN, May 3. At the Arbitration Court, Mr Justice Frazer said the cost of living was 56 per cent, above pre-war, and he thought wages had been increased more. EIRICKWORKERS’ CLAIM. DUNEDIN, May 3. The Court heard the Otago and Southland brick, pottery and tile workers’ dispute. The Union asked for a 48-hour week for brick burners, 2/8 and hour, and other rates advanced as elsewhere. Mr Boreham, for the Union, contended that all burners were skilled workers. He declared that the Auckland decision giving a 12-hour day was outrageous. Mr Justice Frazer: “I think you had better leave the Auckland case alone. There was a.lot of hot-air talked by a lot of hotheads. We understand the position there, and if you confine yourself to the position here we will understand that.” He stated that the case would be considered separately. After hearing evidence the Court reserved its decision. “CLOAK FOR INTIMIDATION.’'' REPEAL OF ACT URGED. (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable®Association.) LONDON, May 2. Colonel Hurst (Conservative) introduced a Bill in the House of Commons for the repeal of the Trades Disputes Act, 1906. He said that the Act had caused not only a great amount of unemployment, but an incalculable amount of human misery. The clause which sanctioned picketing was only a cloak for intimidation and violence. Mr J. H. Thomas said the Act was responsible for the creation of the Labour Party. If the other side wanted to hasten the day when Labour should go over to the Treasury Benches, Colonel Hurst should persuade the Government to give every facility for the passage of the Repeal Bill. SHORTAGE OF BRICKLAYERS MODIFICATION OF APPRENTICESHIP SOUGH? SYDNEY, May 3. The Master Builders’ Association applied to the Board of Trade for a modification of the apprenticeship regulations governing bricklaying. It was stated that in some instances only 25 per cent of the skilled labour required was obtainable, indirectly contributing to the shortage of housing. The supervisor of the city railway gave evidence that work of the railways was done in cement on accdunt, of the excessive demand for work which should be done in brick.

The Association suggested that the regulations should be amended so as to regard adults being apprenticed as slow workers.

The chairman (Mr Beeby) adjourned the hearing till May 14, representatives of the Association and the Union to endeavour to propound a scheme in the meantime.