SHEARING ACCOMMODATION

Wanganui Chronicle, 6 May 1947, Page 6

SHEARING ACCOMMODATION

FARMER’S DELAY IN MAKING IMPROVEMENTS. Charged in the Magistrate's Court, Wanganui, yesterday, witli failing to comply with an order requiring him to carry out alterations to shearers’ accommodation on his property at Otamoa, Parapara Road, William D. Fernie, farmer, was fined £2, costs 12s, by Mr. J. H. Salmon, S.M. The information was laid under the Shearers’ Accommodation Act, 1919, and defendant pleaded guilty through his counsel, Mr. J. M. Hussey. Mr. W. J. Roydhouse, who appeared for the Department of Labour, said that in December, 1945, an inspection was made of defendant’s property, and a notice subsequently served requiring him to make certain improvements and alterations to shearers' accommodation. Other letters were sent and inspections were made of tile property but nothing was done till alter the summons was issued, a matter of 16 months. Fourteen jobs were listed and all were considered necessary in order to bring the accommodation up to the minimum standard. The magistrate: The effect of the delay was that one shearing season was missed. Mr. Hussey said that the delay in having this work .ompleted was due to a shortage of materials and labour. Instructions were given to a contractor last August, but he overlooked the work. "This is a matter for only a nominal penalty," counsel added. “The cost ot the work was £5OO. Defendant was held up by a shortage of materials and was lucky to get the work done. There is no need for me to stress how difficult it is to get any building done to-day.” The magistrate: I am aware of that. in the present case, he added, a fine of £2 would meet the position.