ENGLISH CARPENTERS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 256, 28 October 1937, Page 5

ENGLISH CARPENTERS

UNION SECRETARY OBJECTS TERMS OF ENGAGEMENT CHRISTCHURCH, Oct. 26. "I object to the Government giving more favourable terms to immigrants than to our own tradesmen,” said Mr. E. C. Sutcliffe, secretary of the Amalgamated Carpenters’ and Joiners’ Union, commenting on the engagement of carpenters from overseas to work in New Zealand. "It is unfair,” he said, "and should not be countenanced.” Mr. Sutcliffe said he detected the hand cf the Government in the en engagement of the immigrants. The close association between the Fletcher Construction Company, the present Government and the previous Government suggested to him that the men had been sent out at the instigation nf the Government. Negotiations hao been canied out through the High Commissioner’s Department in London—another straw to show which way the wind blew. Advertisements for carpenters had been appearing in English and Scottish newspapers and it had not been possible to find out who inserted them. It appeared to him, Mr. Sutcliffe said, that either the Government was responsible, or the Fletcher Construction Company acted at th© Government’s instigation. men had been brought to New Zealand on a three years’ engagement. Caipenters in New Zealand would consider themselves in heaven if they were emlpoyed on such terms. Their tenure of employment was onlv from hour to hour. “The Government has made yet another attempt to cope with the supposed shortage of tradesmen,” said Mr. Sutcliffe. “First it was adult apprenticeship and the employment of learners. Then it was made easier to get under-rate permits. I am just a little curious as to the next move to be made.” Mr. Sutcliffe added that he doubted very much whether the three year* term was a contract enforceable et law.