THE SHOPS AND OFFICES BILL

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 10398, 23 July 1901, Page 2

THE SHOPS AND OFF ICES BILL

Wb axe not alone in the views which wo expressed last evening on the Shops and Offices Bill with respect to overworked and underpaid clerks and other employes in warehouses and offices. The Auckland Star, in an article on the subject, says: — ''Some agitation has sprung up among employes in warehouses and offices against certain provisions of this Bill. We confess we can see no distinction in principlo between the regulation of hours in shops and applying" similar law to other indoor employments. Thoro can be no doubt tha.t batik clerks and warehovEcmr-n I have, m many caecs, been overworked, and_ there seems, to bo no remedy for ! their grievances except by 'egislation. All laws of this kind at tho outsat meet with opposition and distrust, but as a I rule matters conform, comfortably to tho new order 'of things, and the dreadful consequences that am predicted never happen." The Otago Daily Times also deals with the matter, and in the course of a lengthy ' article, says: — "Thero is probably, also, a substantial foundation for tho assertion that a good deal of the overtime that is at present worked in warehouses might be averted by the opening of the premises an hour earlier in the morning, ■ for while the Bill specifies an hour at which these warehouses shall be closed it docs not fix any' hour at which they shall be opened. But tho warehouse employe does not wish his working day' lengthen-' ed at cither -end. He prefers to work his overtimo at tho commencement of each new season and to enjoy the privileges which he enjoys under present conditions, but which he might locje under altered circumstances. The bank official seems to be in much the same cose. Ho possesses advantages of which ho iv afraid ho may be deprived v if tho Legislature .places a Government inspector at his elbow to sec. that he does not overstay his hours of employment. Wo are not by any means satisfied, however, that there aro not offices ami large establishments in which tho employes are engaged for unreasonably long hours and required to return to their work at night 'much moro frequently than they should, be. A good deal of this nightwork might probably be avoided if clerks gave greater dilivgence during the 'day to the performance of their employers' business and devoted less of their employers' time to the arrangement ofi plans for their private pleasure; and an incidental result of the passage of legislation to check the employment of young men in offices at night would -unquestionably be that employer* wojld require thpir Bcrvants to pay closer attention during the day to the work tlloy are engaged to do. But we cannot believo that a great deal of 'tho nightwork that almost habitually goes on in 'several of our large OBtab-' lishments is not perfectly avoidable in other ways. It must frequently bo duo to offices and warehouses being undermanned and to their staffs being overworked. And upon tho ground that the physical, moral, and social well-being of tho community renders it should be required to work unreasonably long hours, wo welcome any well-considered proposal that aims at imposing a check upon unnecessary nightwork."

. On our first page will bo found interesting reading matter under the following heading: — "Gold Dredging," "An Upon Letter to the Women of New Zealand," and sporting and commercial.

A movement is on foot to establish a telephone exchange at Westport.

Whitebait have already made their appearance in the Buller River. V Recent returns show that there arc upwards of 3000 Justices of the Peace in Now Zealand.

The losses of Allsopp's brewery arc attributed to purchasing "tied houses," and engaging in the wine and spirit business. A very large* quantity of kauri timber is coming into Auckland at present, being rafted in from the coast in tow of stoamors. , Tho express train from Napier to Wellington ran over a cow at Wallacevillo in Thursday night. The animal was cut to pieces.

It is stated on pood authority that the Union. Steamship Company, during the visit of Royalty to Dunedin, spent, in illuminations and its sharo of the marine arch, close on .£I2OO.

The licensing law is enforced very strictly at Capetown at present,, probably because of tho war. A publican was last month fined .£ls and costs fur having served liquor to two soldiers in uniform.

At Perth, on the Ist inst., a man named George Thornton was prosecuted for ill-treating his littlo threo-yoav-old son by shutting him in an outhono at night in a nudo state. Ho was convicted of "culpablo negligance" and fined 40s and costs (24s)°.

In tho course of a telegram from Hobart to the Premier of New South Wales, tho Duke of Cornwall says: — We arrived hero yesterday after a rather stormy passage from New Zealand, where we spent a very busy, 'but interesting seventeen days.

Detective Cassells, formerly stationed I in Wanganui aa a t constable, has been removed from. Christchurch to Wellington. A handsome silver-plated butter dish has been offered as a prize foe the best trussed fowl on the ( produce stall at 1 the Museum Fair. .., , „ * Mr Alfred Jackson, at one time manager of the Union Bank in Wellington, and more recently 'managing director for New Zealand, but long retired on pension, died at Wellington" yesterday. The Turkish fort, 70 miles inland from Aden, which 500 British 'troops ■were recsntly sent to occupy, has \ften evacuated, say? a London cable. The British demanded the Turks' surrender. An interesting ceremony was conducted by the Rev. R. M. Ry_burn at the residence of the bride's parents to-day, when Miss Mary McGregor, second daughter of Mr John McGregor, of Cherry Bank, was united to Mr Adam Wilkie, of Fordell. The Financial News points ottt the immense advantage New Zealand will reap from tho construction of tho Nicaragua Canal. The japer says the carrying trade of the world will desert the present routes, and that New Zealand Fiea in the coursejttf one of the greatest trade and passenger routes in tho world. In connection with the re-count of votes for the Patea seat, it is interesting to recall the fact that the Hon. Mr Rolleston had a nominal majority if seven votes against Mr 6. W. Russell, I for Ricearton, at; the last general election, but on Mr,. Russell demanding a re-connt he was^'declared tho winner by ono vote. || \ A quiet- butfttejrsistenfc agitation- is being carried okr-in. New Zealand volunteer circlts for 'the picking of -a repre- . sentative team, of riflemen to. compete at the Bislcy meeting on the occasion of tho King's coronation next year. It is reported in well-informed circles that tho proposal is looked upon with favour in official ' departments, and that the team will probably go Home. Twelvp years ago a man who was under treatment in the Wellington Hospital incurred a debt of to the institution on account of the services which he Bid received: He was unable to pay the amount at the time, but his circumstances have since improved, and he has now discharged his liability, although (says $he Tost) under the Statute"^ Limitations he could not have been compelled to do so. " *

16 transpires that in April last year, when there was a difficulty in procuring vessels to convey tho New Zealand contingents to South Africa, tho Premier, in a memo to tho Governor, requested Lord Ranfurly to represent to the Imperial Government the expediency of authorising colonial Governments, by legislation, or otherwise, to commandeer, if necessary, vessels of the British mercantile marine that might be suitable for uso as transports.

Surgeon-Captain Watt, speaking nt Dunedin at tho reception to the returned contingents, said, "Coming from a campaign men were inclined to go loose, but the New Zcalandors carried tli-sijr liquor more ftrxLcctvlly -fhsai tlic Australians ~ (laucMer) — ana others. I Now Zealiuuicrs aid not think- they 1 were better than the stock of tho .old I .world, but they were glad that tho 'blood in this new country was as good as that. in tho old." A meeting of rcprcsenfetives of eight Unions on Saturday night at Timaru resolved to -recommend' their Unions to form local Trades and Labour Councils, and set up a committee of two from each to formulate a constitution and draw upjrules. A motion recommending fhat*bfforts be mado to have South Canterbury .proclaimed a separate industrial district; was negatived. It was resolved' to convene a meeting of farm laborers next Saturday for ,the purpose of forming a union.

Springvale, in Western Queensland, has a very curious natural feature on the run in the shape of a spring. Anyone- plunging in immediately bobs up to I; the surface again liko a cork. The blacks havo a great dread of it, and can bo got near it only with great difficulty. The exploitation generally accepted is that the force of the stream gushing up is sufficient to keep part of the body well out of the water. The quality of the water is excellent, and.it is believed to -contain properties similar to several well-known mineral waters.

A pleasing cdremony took place at Mr A. ,T. White's furnishing waerhouso on Saturday last, the occasion being tho presentation of a handsome walking stick to Mr W. Moult, who is severing his connection with the establishment, intending, it is belived, to start business on his own account in Wanganni. Tho presentation on behalf of the staff was made ' by Mr C. D. Butler, who lnontioncd, in the course' of his remarks, the high esteem in which the recipient was held by his fellow employes, and wished him all sorts of good luck in nis new venture.

Mr-^amos Eirker, writing in an Auckland paper says: — ''When towns aro.jirovided with first-class water supplies and thoroughly up-to-date fire brigade equipments and appliances, fewer losses'- may be looked for, and insurance rates will bo reduced. In the meantime, it may interest you to know that at the present time tire average rate per .£IOO in tho North Island is very much lower than was tho case in 1890. In Auckland and its provincial district the rate is 3s 6d per cent lower; in Wellington, Is 10 per cent lower; Hawke's Bay, 3a 8d per cent lower; Taranaki, 4s lOd per cont lower; and in Wanganui district, Is 7d por cent lower. In other words, while tho cost of living has increased during the last ten yeare, the cost of insurance has decreased very considerably during the same period."

We understand that a movement is on foot to form a branch .locally of the Wellington Drivers' Union. The Wanganui drivers of vehicles comieclod with commercial matters generally BIG very dissatisfied with the present method of vorking after hours, and consider that their grievance requires alteration in tho direction of allowing more pay for tho extra time they aro called upon to servo in the interots of their employers. There is no regulated tariff of pay at rrcsent, and overtime is more honoured ij> the breach than the observance. Iti. to eradicate all this that the moveWent is now mado to form a branch of .ilie Union, and towards that end n mooting is to be held at eight o'clock on Thursday, night at Mr Tuck's Metropolitan Hotel, when matters of interest will bo fully discussed. It is for tho benefit of this, class of workers that tlioro should be a full attendance, and the alleged grievances can then be brought out with a view to a better state of things being instituted.

With referenco to Eleanor Ormorod, whoso death, in • London wo recorded yesterday, from her earliest childhood she was excessively fond of observing plant and animal life. She was born at Rcdbury Park, near Chepstow, and was tho youngest daughter of Geo. Ormerod, F.R.S. To a judicious early training under her mother' Miss Ormorod attributes the success which attended her studies as a specialist. She was an accomplished linguist, which helped hor greatly in her work. Miss Ormerod's chief publication has been hor "Annual Reports "of Observations on Injurious Fnrra Insects," which wore begun in 1877 and continued yearly up to tho prosent date, thus forming a continuous record of the presence and habits of insects injurious to field and orchard crops, and the means found really serviceable for checking their ravages. Sho was consulting entomologist to the Royal Agricultural Society of England since 1882. Deceased was a frequent contributor to tho agricultural journals regarding prevention of farm and fruit insect attacks.

A prominent Chicago woman speaks. — Prof. Roxa Tyler, of Chicaero, VicePreßidont Illinois Woman's Alliance, in speaking of Chamberlain's Cough Rcl medy, says: ''T. suffered with a severe cold this winter which threatened to run into pneumonia. I tried' different romedies but I seemed to grow worse and the medicine npaet my stomach. A friend advised me to try Chamberlain's Cough Remedy and I found it was .pleasant to take and it relieved me nt once. I nm now entirely recovered, saved a doctor's bill, and I will never be without this splendid medicine again." Vor sale by thd United Farmer's - Co-op. Association.

. Captain Edwin wires to-day-.—South-east to south and ; •south-west gale; glass rise; tides high, sea heavy. About .£IOO is now in hand towards the fund raised by the Mayor of Hokitika for* the purpose of raising a monument to the memory of the West Coasters who have lost their lives m South Africa.' Mr Michel hopes to be able to raise .£2oo' at least before finally closing the list. The Grey^Star understands Uiat arrangements are likely to be completed in a day or two for continuing the Ooal Creek railway, and opening and developing- the -.mines. Tho experts report it is believed f that three million tons of coal are in, sight* or proven without further prospecting being indulged in.

It is, the intention of the Railway Department to do all the casting and heavy iron work for the South Island railways at the Addington workshops in future, instead of letting it by contract to private firms. Tho now foundry has just been started.—Chnstchurch Press.

Judge Edwards' judgment jn the appeal case, Bayley (Mr Fitzherbert) v. Herman (Barnicoat) was received from Wellington yesterday and read - m the local Cpurt. The appeal, which ie from tho < decision of Mr H. EyreKenny, S.M.i was allowed, judgment to be entered in the action for the defendant (appellant) with costs in the Supreme Court (^ls 15s), and disbursements and costs in the Court below on the usual scale, including -the costs of taking evidence at Christchurch, to be ascertained by *tho Magistrate.

The total sum now subaorib'ea in the colony towards the Queen. Tictoria Memorial School for Maori Girls ia £2100, of which .£B3 3s has been collected in Wanganui. A much larger sum is, however, required, and any further subscriptions will bo thankfully received by Mrs Basil Taylor and Mrs Empson. A sale of work is to bo held at the Maori School, Hugarere, Napier, on August 6th, in aid of the above fund, the work being largely" done by the Maori girls, but any small contributions will be very acceptable, land can' be sent to Miss Keoth, To "Auto, Hawke's Bay.,

The fact .-that the lockl \Eolunteer corps arc 1 now being armed with, the new magazine^rifle recalls vividly to mind a statement mado by the late Hon. John Ballonce at a meeting in the. Oddfellows' Hall. When dealing with tho question of arming our citizen" soldiery with the most up-to-date weapon, ho affirmed that the Martini-Henry (then a comparatively new rifle) would sooner or 'later become obsolete, and bo replaced by the magazine rifle. This prediction has been amply verified, and the *■ arm, that he objected to being served out -tb"' our citizen 1 * soldiers is now ~ being 1 called in and,, replaced by the more effective small-bore magazine rifle. - v . Letters from beyond New Zealand for. tho following-persons await delivery at the Chief Post Office. Wanganui:— Mrs W. D. Aitken, A. Bowes (2), Ede Bourkc, Miss M. Brown, S. B. Bull, W. H. Buckingham, C. H. Clark, J. Callaghon.. W. Charman, H. Crabb, J. Elliott, Miss A. Ferry," J. Gillebrand, Dr J. Gunn, T. H. Henderson, F. Hatchard (2), G. T. Hislop, T. Hall, J.. Hoiran. -Mrs JohYiston, D. Johnstone | (2), J, W. Ifejtli, Captain "W. Komt, Mrs Laidlow, -Mjbs V. Martin (5), J. J Mathews, E. Mark, Mrs Miller, "W. Mitchell. R. Mcßae, -Madam M. E. Norman,*. S. I. Pengelly, C. Riemer, Miss L. Rennals, A*. Skinner; T. H. Stenros, W. Stewart, W. Turner, W. H. Ward, T. F.. Walsh, Mrs W. Laurie, W». Campbell, J". Kechegney, Mrs Jas. Cronin. .< ' - Mr George Urquhark,. ? who for tho 'past two 4 years, Jias been* 'assistant clerk at the local Court, .has been promoted to a similar position in the Wellington Supremo Court,, and leaves to-morrow for bis new sphere of labour. During the time » Mr \Urqnahart has boen in Wanganui he lias been most attentive to his duties and always civil and obliging. Wo desire to_ thank him heartily 'for his' never-failing courtesy to our representatives, to whom howas^ always willing to render every assistance in his .power. 'Wo trust that he will continue to advance in his profession. He was to-day the recipient of parting gifts, from tho officials of the Court and the police force. 'His place will be taken by Mr A. H. Cutler, of tho Supreme Court, Dunedin.

The need for a second assistant clerk at tho,, local Courthouse is apparent to anyone who >has business at that Government institution. What with Supreme, District, , and Magistrate's Courts, old age pensions, and chamber work generally, tho clerk and his assistant Tiavc their hands fully occupied, and they frequently have to come back in the evenings to overtake the press of business. Clients, too, are frequently kept waiting for a considerable time, as it is impossible for the clerks to be in three or four places 'at once, and it is no uncommon thing for the Magistrates to do',thcir clerical work while sitting 1 on the' Bench. This is tot as, it should be,'- and seeing that the ii'ovcrnment are legislating on belialf o f other omploycofc', they should set their own liouso in order first.