THE PAINTING TRADE

Taranaki Daily News, 6 August 1930, Page 3

THE PAINTING TRADE

REQUEST FOR REGISTRATION JOURNEYMEN SEEK PROTECTION. The registration of painters, to ’prevent the “slap-dash brush hand” and inexperienced man trespassing on tie field of the legitimate tradesman was sought by a deputation representing employers and employees in the painting, trade, which waited upon the Minister of Labour, the Hon. S. G. Smith, at Wellington on Monday. The Minister premised to place the question before Cabinet. Air. R. L. Tingey, of Wellington, said that for a long time master, paintirs had urged the registration of tradesmen. To-day employers were getting all kinds of hands, such as men from ships, who seemed to step into the painting trade from other trades and callings. These men, through time ani force of circumstances, came to be. recognised as tradesmen, although 'they lin'd not served at the trade. “It is rather painful for the tradesman who has . gone through the trade, and he does not see why people should be employed as tradesmen who do not belong to it,” said Mr. tingey. “We with the journeyman’s idea of confining the trade to the legitimate tradesman.” . The Afinister: What good will it do keeping the “slap-dash brush hand” out of it? . , Mr. Tingey said the “man off tne street” had no technical knowledge of the trade. In many cases the masters had been at fault because they had engaged these men and put them on fllow class of work. The trade to-day was at a -higher standard that it was 20 years ago. The Minister: If a Bill were passed it would not prevent anyone from painting his own house. M‘. Tingey: Employers and employees object to the man who can simply slap ’on paint. The Alinister: A man would have to employ a licensed painter in the same way as he engages a licensed plumber, “That is exactly what we want,” replied Mr. Tingey. Mr. AV. . Nicols, of Wellington, said thev wanted to build up the status of the* trade. It was only fair to ask the Government to give the men engaged in it more prestige than they enjoyed at present, seeing the interest it took in the work of the apprenticeship committees and the training of apprentices Ifregistration were introduced masters would also know they were employing experienced tradesmen, who could be sent out to jobs with the full knowledge that they were,-competent. They wanted to lift up the trade and prevent the outsiders from coining into

In his reply the Minister said he had not previously heard of the proposal. I will look into the question at once and take it to Cabinet,” said Mr. Smith. “Cabinet’s decision will be conveyed to you without any undue delay. Whether legislation will be introduced this scs sion I cannot say.”