PLUMBERS’ FEDERATION

Southland Times, Issue 19172, 16 February 1924, Page 13

PLUMBERS’ FEDERATION

ANNUAL CONFERENCE AT DUNEDIN. (Per United Press Association.) DUNEDIN, February 14. At the meeting of the New Zealand Master Plumbers’ Federation here, an address was delivered by Mr G. A. Bord, on boundary traps. In the following discussion a considerable diversity of opinion was shown, and it was resolved to discuss the matter later. A remit from Auckland and Wellington was carried to the effect that associations be recommended to endeavour to have the proportion of apprentices to journeymen increased to one to one when the conditions of apprenticeship are being dealt/ with under the Act of 1923, and that with a view to maintaining a sufficient supply of tradesmen for future needs, so far as sanitary science is concerned, the conference consider the advisability of advocating that in all future plumbers’ awards the proportion of apprentices be increased to one apprentice for every qualified journeyman. The following Dunedin remit was adopted:—That each local union set up a price list committee to adjust charges for material and labour upon a fair and reasonable basis, according to market conditions; that should any complaint be made against a member for exorbitant charges such be investigated by the committee, and, if sustained, the member be dealt with by the union executive. Three remits on the Plumbers’ Registration Act were discussed, and it was decided that no amendment to the Act be recommended. It was resolved, after discussing Mr Howard’s Bill of last Session, providing amendments to the Workers’ Compensation Act: “That this conference is unanimously of the opinion that in the event of an amendment on similar lines to Mr Howard's Bill being introduced by the Government, every possible means should be taken to oppose any increase in the compensation amounts already provided, and members of the Federation will support the New Zealand Employers’ Federation in any action deemed advisable.”

It was agreed to remit and forward a protest through the Employers’ Association to military authorities .against payment for time lost through apprentices being required to attend whole-day parades under the military training orders for the year. It was stated that the Defence Department took apprentices away often without giving notice to the employer, and always without paying the apprentice, the employer having to pay for the time lost. There were cases where the whole staff was away.