BUSHMEN’S WAGES.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXVI, Issue 13417, 3 July 1911, Page 8

BUSHMEN’S WAGES.

(Per United Press Association.) AUCKLAND, June 30. A case of considerable interest to those employing workmen in the bush in the back blocks came before Air Kettle at the S.M. Court to-day. It was brought by the Inspector of Awards against the Tot a a. Timber Company of failing to pay workmen’s wages at due date. The evidence showed that tiie wages were not paid absolutely on the due date. The mills are UU and 5t miles from any bank. The men were separated in parties in the hush, so that it was impossible to pay them on the same date. The result was that the men were not paid at intervals of 14 days, it being held sometimes from four to live days after the due date. Mr Gohns, who appeared for the Department, quoted a letter received about the pay being hold back and the impossibility of getting advances. The letter concluded : “If this is not hard lines and a flagrant broach of the award, I don't know what is.” Mr Beid explained that the reason why advances wore not made was because the company did not 'want the single men playing “two-up” every day in the week. The married men had no trouble about getting advances. The wages paid at Pntarnru were 10 per cent, over the award, and at Mokau 25 per cent, above it. Mr Kettle; An honest, and substantia! compliance with the award was all they could hope for. They aimed at ]>erfoction, hut knew it could not be actually attained. Mr Gohns said it had been suggested i o him by the Union that bv holding the men’s wages in hand the Company prevented them leaving. Mr Eeed said the trouble was the “twonp” basinet. The single men now went to the Maori whares to play i‘.. and afler pay-day it was hard to get them to work. One man iiad been working for the “Iwo--11 p” school since Christmas. A number of spoilers went round the mills ,at paytime. Mr Kettle: Where are the police? Mr Beid: It was 50 miles from r.ny policeman. Mr Kctlle: Then the company should swear in special constables. Mr H. 15. Coupe, manager of the Taupo Timber Company, deposed tliat the company's operation extended over do miles. Idle men in t-r- hm-h bad their money sent to them. He could not think of any means bv which the money could be paid any more -peedily. A man could leave any time he liked during the month, and be paid wind was due to him. The monthly pay—licet was about £2500. Tie: information was dismissed.