L—9a.

W. FERGUSON.

should have no jurisdiction over its servants? —I do not say that, but I do think so in the case of a special officer selected for his special skill, such as a harbourmaster or pilot, who is handling ships and merchandise of special value. Preference of employment is practically given under this Bill, and this would limit that selection. 13. Do you think that a man occupying the position of a pilot would be compelled to join the Shipmasters' Association?—lf the Bill passed in its present form I think so. He would have to contribute to the funds. 14. Would he be a shipmaster?— Under their articles they would claim all men holding a master's certificate. 15. That is quite a different point. Do you think that if a man was not a pilot or was not likely to take charge of a ship it is likely the Court would attach him to the award ?—lt is a question whether they would or would not. 16. Do you think they would?—l think it is probable they would. The present relations between the superior officers and their employers are disturbed. 17. The same thing applies to any other industry?—l think it will cause friction, trouble, and worry, and break up the pleasant relations that exist, or should exist, between the employers and the officers. 18. The Chairman.] In the judgment of the Court you spoke of, did the Court say that the Act did not apply as at present worded to these officers? —The present Act did not apply because the officers did not come under the definition of " worker." 19. And the case was dismissed on this ground?— Partly on that ground. The Judge said there was one other ground, but he thought that was sufficient. 20. Hon. Mr. Millar.] Are you aware that journalists have been held to be not skilled labourers ?—I am not aware of that. 21. The Chairman.] Will you tell the Committee the date of the Court's decision?— The 14th December, 1906.

Friday, 13th September, 1907. Edith Vaughan examined. (No. 2.) 1. The Chairman.] What organization do you represent?— The Tailoresses and Pressors' Union. 2. Of Wellington?— Yes, Wellington Industrial District. 3. You are yourself actively engaged in the trade? —Not now. I have been. 4. You are a member of that union ?—Yes. 5. Have you seen the Bill known as the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act Amendment Bill?— Yes. 6. Will you tell the Committee what you think of it?—l have not gone into all the matters dealt with by it, but there are just one or two I might speak about. We agree with clause 5, ".Industrial Councils," with the proviso in subclause (6), " Provided that under special circumstances, and with the approval of the Minister of Labour, persons- who are not and have not been workers engaged in the said industry may be so recommended and appointed." 7. Your union approves of that? —Yes. 8. Is there any other point to which you wish to draw our attention?—We object to clause 53. 9. Will you tell us why?— Because we find a difficulty in getting members of the union to act as officers of the union, and we think it is better to be allowed to get officers who are independent of the trade if we desire to. 10. What is the reason for members being unwilling to act as officers of the union?—ln a number of cases after they have been acting as officers of the union the employers find some excuse for dismissing them: perhaps on the ground that they have no work they are told that their services are not required. 11. They are quietly dropped?—. Yes. 12. Have you had cases of that kind in your union?— Yes. 13. And you think that acts as a deterrent to others to take office?— Yes; there is a difficulty in getting them to take office. 14. And you think, if this clause is passed, which provides that officers of industrial unions must be engaged in the industry, the choice would be more limited than it is now ?—Yes. 15. That your union will be compelled to put into the forefront men whose living depends upon their keeping up a good understanding with the employers?— Yes. 16. Is there any other clause you object to?— Clause 50: "Application for permit to work at less than prescribed rate to be made to Inspector of Factories." We want the union to be able to grant permits as well as the Inspector. 17. At present, according to the law, the application has to be made to the Chairman of the Conciliation Board, and in that case the secretary of the union has to be present and may be consulted with regard to issuing the permits: will that meet your case?— Yes. 18. It does not say that the secretary of the union can issue permits. They will be issued through the Inspector, but the secretary of the union will be there to consult with him? Our union would not object in that case. 19. Is there any further point?— Clause 47: "Contributions to unions by others than members." 20. What is your objection to clause 47 ?—Our union has no objection t» that. We approve of clause 47. We think that non-members should be called upon to contribute to the funds of the Union.

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