PRICE OF BREAD.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20540, 15 February 1935, Page 7

PRICE OF BREAD.

Cost to Relief Workers Discussed. BAKERS IN CONFERENCE. The price of bread to relief workers was one of the subjects discussed at this morning’s session of the annual conference of the New Zealand Master Bakers’ and Pastrycooks’ Association. After the matter had been considered in committee it was reported that it had been agreed to leave the fixing of such prices to individual associations. The question was raised by Auckland, l where, it was stated, relief workers had endeavoured to secure bread at a rate lower than the usual price. Industrial Matters. Disbussion then ensued on remits from Canterbury and Auckland, proposing that the association should register as an employers’ union in case it might be desired to initiate proceedings under the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act. Mr G. A. Laurenson moved that it be an instruction to the executive to take whatever steps might be necessary to bring the association into line in the matter. Mr G. 11. Taigel seconded the motion, which was carried. The organiser (Mr W. 11. Warren) said that a Dominion award had been mooted in 1932, but it had been found that as the association was not a registered body it w’as not possible for the employers to file a Dominion dispute. It was further ascertained that the incorporation of the association meant nothing under industrial law. It was felt that steps should be taken to remedy the position. Mr S. S. Green (Auckland) expressed his association’s support of the proposal and he commended the first part of an Auckland remit to the meeting. “ That the association register as a union under the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act.” Country Opposition. A country delegate opposed the suggestion on the grounds that city and country bakers worked under entirely different conditions. He said that if an award set out fixed hours, country bakers, when employees might work four hours one day and ten hours the next, would be forced to pay overtime for the second day quoted. Mr C. C. Lange (Invercargill) pointed out that in the Auckland award provision was made for country districts. Mr C. E. Boon, chairman of the executive, said that an award need not necessarily cover the whole Dominion. The president (Mr Claude Cowan, of ; Auckland) said the association wanted the power to make a Dominion award if it became necessary. If any action was contemplated all local associations would be requested to forward their views. If the country did not want to be included in an award, the executive would not take steps that would be against the interests of some of the members of the association. The secretary (Mr F. A. Jarrett) said that if the motion were carried the executive would not be able to do anything. (Laughter). Mr Cowan said that members seemed to be divided on the subject, so that probably that would be the best result. The motion was then carried. % Apprenticeship Question. On the motion of Mr W. S. Dustin (Wellington), a resolution was carried recommending the incoming executive to endeavour to secure an amendment of the Apprenticeship Act. Mr Dustin said that some alterations in the Act were necessary, as in Wellington, for instance, there were only two apprentices. The meeting also discussed in committee a remit from the Auckland Association proposing that the appointment of the “ Bakers’ and Grocers’ Review ” as the official organ of the association should be cancelled. A ballot was taken, and on resuming in open meeting it was announced that the re-1 nit had. been carried. Mr Green returned thanks on behalf of Auckland, and at the same time ' < xpressed appreciation of the manner n which the Review ” had been conducted by Mr J. 11. Barker. Officers were elected as follows: — President, Air C. C. Lange (Invercargill) ; vice-presidents, Messrs J. O. Boniface (Palmerston North) and R. T. Norton (Lyttelton) ; executive committee. Messrs C. E. Boon (Christchurch), J. T. Norton (Lvttelton), R. T. Norton (Lyttelton), P. Dunn (Ashburton). C. 11. Thomas (Christchurch). G. 11. Taigel (Christchurch) and T. B. I Mason (Hornby); representatives on Wheat Research Institute Board, the president and Messrs Boon and C. Cowan (Auckland). It was decided to hold next year’s conference at Wanganui.