TIMBER WORKERS

Southland Times, Issue 19924, 17 July 1926, Page 12

TIMBER WORKERS

BETTER CONDITIONS SOUGHT. DEPUTATION TO PRIME MINISTER. (Per United Press Association.) Wellington, July 16. A deputation representing the Timber Workers’ Federation of New Zealand met the Premier and the Labour Minister yesterday and asked, that the Government should favourably consider several matters affecting the industry.

It was asked that there should be an amendment to the Compensation Act to make provision for payment in cases where there was practical loss of limb. It was also asked that the wages of employees should be a first charge in a brankrupt estate.

It was stated that employers had been asked to provide fans to minimise the dust danger from machines, but had refused, and it was suggested that the Government should consider making the provision of fans compulsory. The secretary, Mr Turley, asked that a representative of the men should be allowed to accompany the Labour Department officials when inspecting labour and timebooks. He also urged a closer inspection of accommodation, and protested against the immigration policy, which he said was causing unemployment.

The Hon. G. J. Anderson said he would have the question of accommodation and machinery looked into. A 40 hour week was also requested. Mr Coates replied that Parliament was rather busy this session.

M Anderson said: “As far as I am concerned you won’t have any support from me for a 40 hour week.”

It was stated that as the result of large importations of timber numbers of workers had been thrown out of employment. Employers were also feeling the pinch. Mr Coates said the matter was at present receiving the attention of the Minister for Customs and the Minister in Charge of Industries and Commerce.