ARBITRATION COURT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXI, Issue 19009, 9 May 1924, Page 5

ARBITRATION COURT

DAIRY FACTORY EMPLOYEES (Per Press Association ) AUCKLAND, May 8 At the Arbitration Court, Mr.’ Wright, for the dairy companies, said it was hardly fair to draw a comparison with Canterbury,, which did not export to the same extent as Auckland. Regarding youths, bvy were practically under apprenticeship. He submitted that rhe hours could not be reduced without a deterioration of the product or increased cost of production, which it would not be reasonable to expect the companies to bear. The larger portion of the product was exported and the price depended on the home markets. Practically all companies were co-operative suppliers, receiving payment in exact proportion to the price realised by the company less cost of manufacture. Thus the position of suppliers must be considered, and they were not receiving as much as in April, 1923. For the ten months ended March 'ast. compared with the corresponding period of the previous year, London prices and declined on an average over 17s per cwt. Cheese showed a slight improvement, milk powder about, a 3 J per cent, decrease while casein was now unpayable. Employers did not seek a reduction in wages. They estimated that living in the country was 10s weekly less than in the cities. Neither were increased hours sought. Decision was reserved.