PAINTERS’ REGISTRATION.

Wairarapa Age, 5 August 1930, Page 5

PAINTERS’ REGISTRATION.

EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES UNANIMOUS. DEPUTATION TO MINISTER OF LABOUR. RESTRICTION OF “SLAP-DAB” BRUSH HAND. WELLINGTON, August 4. The registration of painters so as to prevent the “slap-dab” brush hand and inexperienced man trespassing on the 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, to-day. The Minister promised to go immediately into the representations made to him and place the matter before Cabinet. The deputation was introduced by Mr. P. Fraser (Wellington Central). On behalf of the master painters, Mr R. L. Tingey, Wellington, said that for a long time they had urged the registration of painters. Employers were now getting all kinds of hands, such as men from ships, who seemed to step into the painting trade from other callings. These men through time and force l of circumstances came to be recognised as tradesmen, although they had not served at the trade.

The Minister: “Then one 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. W. Nichols, Wellington, who also spoke for the employers, said that what they wanted to do was 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, seeing the interest they took in the work of apprenticeship committees. The secretary of the Painters’ Federation of Employees, Mr. F. D. Cornwell, said that the federation agreed entirely with the employers on the request for registration. After an initial register had been compiled no one would be registered who had not worked at the trade for five years or served an apprenticeship. Provision would be made in the way of examinations for those coming from overseas who sought registration as painters.

The Minister said he had not previously heard of the proposal. “I will look into the question at once and then take it to Cabinet,” said Mr. Smith. “It’s decision will be conveyed to you without any undue delay. ~ Whether legislation will be introduced this session, I cannot say.”—(P.A.) .