PROTECTION OF WORKERS

Taranaki Daily News, 10 July 1929, Page 10

PROTECTION OF WORKERS

TIMBER INDUSTRY REQUESTS. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, July 9. A deputation representing the New Zealand Timber Workers’ Federation was introduced to the Prime Minister to-day by Mr. H. E. Holland, leader of the Labour Party, to put before the Government a number of matters of importance to the industry. £ho Ministei of Labour, the Hon. W. A. Veitch, was present. , ~ It was asked that protection should be given in cases where bankruptcy proceedings were involved. Wages, it was claimed, should take precedence over mortgages. The deputation requested that a Bill should be introduced providing for a reduction of 2s.per month from timber workers’ wages and a subsidy amounting to a halfpenny per 100 feet on timber, the total amount to be paid to the hospital boards for the purpose of paying the hospital and medical expenses of injured workers. Another request was that where a worker was killed or injured in giving assistance to another worker he should not be debarred from the Workers’ Compensation Act. The deputation asked for the prohibition of the importation of manufactured articles, such as doors, mouldings, linings and floorings. A higher tariff was also desired for other classes of timber. The industry was capable, under proper protection, of employing 4000 more people. The Minister promised consideration of the matters put before him.