SHEARERS’ WAGES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12748, 18 September 1919, Page 3

SHEARERS’ WAGES.

AN AGREEMENT REACHED. [Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, September 17. A complete agreement on the points m dispute between the shoepowners and the shearers was arrived at to-day, and steps are to be taken to make the agreement a, Dominion award. The rnattcr was heard before the Conciliation Commissioner (Mr W- Newton). After an agreement was reached on the question of pay for shed hands, there was considerable discussion on the pay of cooks. Subsequently this was settled., and the agreed rates will apply to the whole Dominion. Following are tlio new rates of pay;— Shearers.—£l IDs per 100, with rations, the same rate to apply to sheardig lambs. If shearers find their own , food, an additional 4s per 100 sheep to be paid- The rates for' stuck sheep are to he settled by agreement with the employer. Hogget rams, rate and a half, and other rama double rates. i Shed, hands.—Prcssors, By the week, £3 10s ; By the hour, 2s. Wool rollers and all other shed hands, £3 5s per week or Is 10d per hour. 'Youths over sixteen and under eighteen years of age: £2 10s per week, or la (id per hour. Cooks.—£4 per week for twelve men or under. For over twelve'men the wages will be fixed by agreement between the employer and the cook. When the conference had agreed to the above rates, Mr Grayndler expressed a de-sire that a, clause relating to dagging 1)© included in the agree mentHe considered that shearers should receive additional rates for dagging. Mr A. J>. M’T/eod objected to the inclusion of the clause, and was supported by other shoepowners present. After considerable discussion the Shearers’ representatives decided to waive the question, hut held that it was a contentious matter and something would ultimately have to be done to fix it up. . The representatives then agreed to sign the agreement, which comes into operation right away and will be dated September 1. 15119. The agreement remain in operation till February 28. 1921. A resolution wan carried asking the Arbitration CVinrt to make the agreement a Dominion award.