rich with research possibilities. Curriculum construction and evaluation presents untold opportunities for scientific investigation. To the extent that we accept the challenge of research, of diligent and protracted investi

gation of our work no matter where that research leads us nor how damaging its results to the beliefs we hold, will our program be built on foundations that are unassailable.

American engineering colleges have been so outstripped by science and industry that they must revise their methods, according to the report of the Board of Investigation and Coordination of the Society for the Promotion of Engineering Education, of which Professor Charles Scott of Yale is Chairman. The report represented the results of a three-year fact-finding investigation just completed in the United States and in Europe at a cost of more than $200,000. More than half this expense was met by the Carnegie Corporation.

To remedy the situation the board urged that a program of sweeping changes be put into effect at once in all the engineering colleges of the country to link up with activities of the Society for the Promotion of Engineering Education, the great national engineering societies, the industries, the secondary schools and the non-engineering colleges.

The report condemned curricula that are "too soft," recommended that the normal length of the undergraduate curriculum should remain four academic years, including increased work in humanistic subjects, and appealed for the elimination of "gross waste in men and money imposed by the present system," in which the misfits were said to be unduly numerous.

"The development of greater social insight and a larger sense of social responsibility should be a definite objective of the engineering profession if it is to gain recognition for more than its technical proficiency," the report declared in recommending that general economics be included in all engineering curricula.

"Policies of admission to engineering colleges should have in view the positive attraction and selection of suitable personnel. A joint agency for co-operation with organizations of secondary schools and secondary school teachers should be created. Admission by certificate sould be accompanied by more selective methods, including a test of general intelligence, training and aptitude tests in specific subjects, and a physical and health examination to discover and provide for remedial defects and eliminate in advance those too seriously handicapped for the successful pursuit of a rigorous college program." The report stressed the need for action in

30907-3

developing teaching personnel. A critical stituation is threatened, it said, because of increasing difficulty in enlisting able men for the highest posts in engineering education. "Efforts to broaden and enrich engineering education will be largely unavailing unless teaching service is able to enlist and hold able and inspiring men," the report continued. "The present agencies and programs of engineering education fail to supply an adequate recruitment for the line or operating direction of industry, as distinct from its export staff activities. The pressure for more extended provision for technical education and the demand for increased technical personnel should be met, for the present, by expansion of the facilities and programs of non-collegiate types of training."

Minimum Wages in Massachusetts

A minimum wage of $14.40 a week has been set by the Minimum Wage Commission for women of ordinary ability engaged in the manufacture of jewellery findings, silver novelties, optical goods, watches and clocks. For inexperienced workers the minimum is to be $12 a week. The decree which becomes effective January 1, 1927, provides that a woman shall be considered of ordinary ability who has reached the age of 20 years and has had six months' experience in the occupation. The investigation of the wages of women employed in the manufacture of jewellery and related lines, made by the Minimum Wage Commission preliminary to fixing a minimum wage, showed that 35 per cent of the women in the industry earned less than $14 a week, and 21 per cent earned $20 or over. Earnings by occupations showed a marked contrast for the workers engaged in different processes. Of the largest group, the packers, two-thirds received less than $14, and only 3 per cent earned $20 or over. A wage board to recommend a minimum rate of wages for women employed in the manufacture of toys, games and sporting goods was organized in October. An investigation made by the Minimum Wage Commission of the wages paid in this industry showed that 44 per cent of the women received less than $13 a week, and approximately 66 per cent less than $15, while not quite 15 per cent received $18 a week or over.

1

THE

HE eleventh convention of the Alberta Federation of Labour was held in Calgary, November 22-24, nearly four years having elapsed since the previous meeting. There were 69 delegates present representing 44 affiliated bodies, including the district headquarters and locals of District 18, United Mine Workers of America. In addition there were present seventeen fraternal delegates, among whom were the Labour members of the Alberta Legislature, one Labour member of the House of Commons and a representative from the Trades and Labour Congress of Canada.

The financial report was referred to a special committee, which recommended that an honorarium of $500 be paid to the secretary treasurer for his services during the past four years; that grants be made also to the assistant secretary of the convention and to the convention stenographer; and that the "best efforts of the incoming executive and affiliated membership be put forward to increase the membership of the Federation."

At the opening session it was announced that the executive had declared vacant the office of president, and had appointed the vice-president to the chair, pending endorsation by the convention, the reason given for this action being that its incumbent, Frank Wheatley, had accepted a similar office in the Mine Workers' Union of Canada, a rival organization of the United Mine Workers of America, an affiliate of the Federation. The convention approved the decision of its executive in this regard, following which there was a motion that the former president be given the same privileges on the floor of the convention as that accorded to fraternal delegates. It was moved in amendment that the former president be given a voice only on the discussion on officers' reports. The amendment was adopted. Subsequently in the sessions the Federation re-defined its attitude toward dual organizations by rejecting a resolution which called upon the Trades and Labour Congress of Canada to amend its constitution so as to permit the affiliation by the Congress and its provincial federations of all groups of workers in the Dominion. (Had this resolution been adopted it would have recognized the Mine Workers' Union of Canada, largely composed of secessionists from the U.M.W., an organization, which, as previously mentioned, is an affiliate of the Federation). In addition the Federation de

cided to assist the United Mine Workers of America, District 18, in re-organizing the mine workers of Alberta.

Workmen's Compensation.-Featuring the deliberations of the convention was the adoption of proposed amendments to various social enactments of the Provincial Legislature. In this respect there were adopted a considerable number of proposed amendments to the Workmen's Compensation Act. The executive in its report recommended that while the ultimate aim is 100 per cent compensation, the immediate objective sought was an increase in the rate of compensation to 663 per cent of earnings instead of the present percentage of 62. In addition the executive recommended that the maximum of $1,140 compensation per year be struck out of the Act. The substance of both of these recommendations was embodied in a subsequent resolution, which called for 100 per cent compensation and a maximum compensation of $2,000 per annum. This proposal was adopted. Among the other suggested amendments which were adopted were; (1) that the Government be requested to provide for the cost of medical aid and hospital attendance being taken out of the accident fund; (2) that the Act shall be administered by three commissioners, one of whom shall be appointed on the recommendation of organized industrial labour; (3) that a disabled workman be paid compensation from the date of accident; (4) that in the event of failure on the part of the medical referee and the workman's doctor to reach a unanimous decision in determining fitness for employment a third doctor shall be appointed, subject to the approval of the injured workmen, and the majority report of these three medical men shall be conclusive; (5) that each commissioner may be removed at any time for just cause; (6) that the incoming executive secure the co-operation of the United Farmers in placing before farmers' organizations the advantage to be gained by having the farming industry included under the scope of the Act; (7) that the executive consider having provision made for compensation to be paid to workers meeting with accidents which do not come within the scope of the Act; (8) that provision be made to furnish any injured workman with any artificial appliance made necessary from the effects of an accident within the scope of the Act.

Factories Act. Several amendments to the Factories Act* were also suggested. The executive in reporting on this subject recommended: (1) that efforts be continued to secure the establishment of the eight-hour day; (2) that the Act should be amended to apply to shops, bake-shops and offices in all localities with a population of 1,000 or more; (3) the elimination of the proviso exempting from the hours of labour provisions all repair shops, creameries, cheese factories, grain elevators and saw-mills, unless such are situated in a town having a population exceeding five thousand. The Committee on Officers' Reports, to which these recommendations were referred, concurred in all of them, but "believed that the population restrictions should be wiped out altogether, and the Act made province-wide in administration, and of benefit to every worker in the province affected by this statute." The convention adopted this general recommendation. Other amendments to this statute were submitted in the form of resolutions, one of which urged that the Act be changed so as to provide for an eight-hour day and forty-four hour week, instead of the present nine-hour day and fiftyfour hour week. An amendment called for an eight-hour day and a forty-hour week, but this was defeated, and after considerable discussion the resolution was adopted. Among other proposed amendments, submitted to, and adopted by, the convention were: (1) that violators of the Act in respect to its safety provisions be given, in second offence cases, six months imprisonment without the option of a fine; (2) requesting the Provincial Legislature "to more rigidly enforce the provisions of this Act, calling particular attention to bake-shops;" (3) requesting the establishment of the eight-hour day for all employees in restaurants; (4) limiting the working day in the oil and gas drilling industry to eight hours; (5) providing for outside fire escapes on buildings over one storey; (6) urging the provision of matting in places where labour has to work continuously on concrete or brick floors.

Mines Act.-All resolutions submitted in regard to amendments to the Mines Act were referred to a special committee composed of all the U.M.W. delegates. This committee in its recommendations, which were adopted, demanded that the Provincial Government appoint a Commission "to make a public investigation into both the Hillcrest

*The provisions of the Factories Act of 1926 were outlined in the LABOUR GAZETTE, May, 1926, page 446.

30907-31

and McGillivray mine explosions,* both as to the conditions prevailing in the mines, previous to the explosion, and to as far as possible ascertain the causes;" and "that succeeding such investigation a conference shall be called consisting of mine owners, mine workers and representatives of the Department of Mines for the purpose of revising the Mines Act and bringing it into conformity with prevailing conditions." It was also decided that one member of the proposed commission be appointed upon the recommendation of the United Mine Workers of America, District 18, and that in the event of the government refusing to appoint such a commission, the entire subject be turned over to the incoming executive to be dealt with in the legislative program.

Minimum Wages.-The executive submitted a detailed report with reference to the Minimum Wage Act, and made certain recommendations, which were concurred in by the Committee on Officers' Reports to which the report was referred. These recommendations, which were adopted, in the main called for an increase of employees' rates in certain classes-manufacturing, laundries and the retail trade-and the committee in addition recommended the abolition of the population limit so as to make the Act provincewide in scope and applicable wherever workers are employed. (The Act now applies only to twelve cities in the province).

Other Legislation.-Other adopted recommendations concerning legislative matters included: (1) providing medical and hospital attention for all workers and their families; (2) urging the enactment of a new Mechanics' Lien Act "to protect the wages of all workers"; (3) urging certain amendments to the Steam Boilers' Act; (4) urging the enactment of the Barbers' License Law; (5) amending the Mothers' Pension Act to provide pensions to all mothers and dependent women over 50 years; (6) urging the continuance of efforts to secure Federal enactment of Old Age Pension legislation; (7) amending the Election Act to provide "for a full holiday with pay for all workers on polling day for any provincial election"; (8) endeavouring to have the fair wage clause as adopted by the provincial legislature inserted in all contracts involving public works; (9) A resolution, which requested "the Provincial Government to pass enabling legislation to bring the

*The appointment of a committee to investigate the explosion at the Hillcrest mine was noted in the last issue, page 1084.

Federal Industrial Disputes Investigation Act within the scope of the law in this province in line with the policy adopted by the Trades and Labour Congress of Canada," was referred to the incoming executive.

Resolutions.-Among the resolutions adopted by the convention were:-(1) Requesting the Workmen's Compensation Board to appoint an inspector to inspect and enforce safety regulations in building construction;

(2) condemning "the sentences passed from time to time on workers active in industrial disputes and appealing to the Provincial Government to take such steps as will bring about the immediate release of those who may be in prison as a result of activities in such disputes":

(3) opposing the immigration policy of the Dominion Government and requesting the Trades and Labour Congress of Canada to submit the resolution to the International Federation of Trade Unions with a view to having it published in all periodicals of affiliated sections, so that the I.F.T.U. "be kept informed of actual conditions as to employment in Canada";

(4) in favour of amending the school curriculum to provide for "more information being given to students on the co-operative movement as opposed to the competitive system";

(12) requesting the Trades and Labour Congress of Canada "to endeavour to secure legislation making provision for a saving wage of at least $2,500 per annum for all Canadian workmen";

(13) urging the promotion of a vigorous campaign in support of the co-operative movement with the appointment of a committee from the convention for this purpose;

(14) urging the abolition of the contract system in the mining industry and the substitution of a flat rate of pay;

(15) favouring the taking over by the Provincial Government of the control of land and townsite rights adjacent to mining plants;

(16) demanding the immediate nationalization of the mining industry;

(17) demanding the enactment of legislation to compel all employers to give their workers two weeks' holidays with full pay each year;

(18) urging the establishing of minimum wages and maximum hours of employment for employees in hospitals;

(19) urging the enactment of legislation which would recognize training schools for nurses in the same way that all other forms of education are recognized in the province;

(20) urging that those desiring to teach music should be required to obtain by the

(6) advocating the enactment by the Dominion Government of an unemployment insurance project, with the application, in the meantime, of measures such as unemployment relief work at trade union rates or adequate sustenance;

(7) in favour of amending the Health Act to prohibit the sale of food "in the same room where drugs and chemicals are being sold";

(8) in favour of legislation prohibiting the employment of white girls by orientals;

(9) in favour of amending the Liquor Act so as to place a severer penalty upon minors or interdicted persons for entering any licensed beer room;

(10) protesting to the Provincial Government against the continuance of leasing out prisoners to work for farmers and other employers;

(11) condemning the practice of Sunday employment unless in useful public service or for the preservation of life and property;

petency;

(21) urging that the Provincial Government increase the grant to patients in isolation hospitals to $1 per day.

The election of officers resulted as follows: President, F. J. White, Calgary; secretarytreasurer, E. E. Roper, Edmonton; Delegate to Trades and Labour Congress, J. J. McCormack with J. E. Gordon as alternate.

The Harmon Foundation of New York city has made a gift of $50,000 towards the organization of a pension fund for nurses. The Survey (New York), in an account of the plan, estimates that there are 100,000 graduate nurses in the United States, of whom 10,000 are salaried employees of boards of health, factories or tubercular associations. The pension plan will be based on regular payments to a fund by both the nurses and the patients, so that at 60 years of age she may retire with a pension of $1,100 or $1,200 a year.

THE

HE International Typographical Union held its seventy-first convention at Colorado Springs, Col., on September 13-17, 1926, with 308 delegates present, representing practically every section of the United States and Canada. In his address, President Lynch made a plea for solidarity among the membership and pointed out the danger that lurked in too much politics within the organization. He reviewed the reconstruction campaign carried on by the executive council since November 1, 1924, the cost of which in most cases had been financed on a fifty-fifty basis, by the local union and the central organization. He explained that the plan underlying the general movement of reconstruction and reorganization was mapped out to cover as many years as might be necessary to obtain the desired results. The president called attention to the new addition to the Union Printers' Home, which was completed and in full commission. Reference was made to the bureau of education, from which more than 8,000 apprentices were taking lessons. The receipts from these lessons practically covered the cost of maintaining the bureau. Dwelling upon newspaper consolidations, many of which have taken place recently, the president declared that they are a development of the greatest concern to the membership, owing to the employment problems created by such mergers. He advocated a plan whereby the cost of administering the pension and mortuary funds would be borne by those funds instead of the present practice of burdening the general fund with that expense. Other topics discussed by the president were: (1) The publicity campaign; (2) The label bureau; (3) Scale negotiations; (4) Closer affiliation with other printing trades; (5) Deliberations and accomplishments of the American Federation of Labour.

The report of First Vice-president Brown, who is in charge of the bureau of arbitration, enumerated the activities and accomplishments of that department. The purpose of the bureau was, he said, to supply, on request of local unions, efficient representatives to prepare and present local arbitration cases. Another topic dwelt upon by the first vicepresident was the work of state typographical conferences, which in his opinion was a distinct asset to the International Typographical Union.

Second Vice-president Hewson drew attention to the many newspapers and numerous commercial plants that still adhere to the so

called open-shop policy, and also to schools which he stated "were fostered by anti-union interests for the purpose of doubling the number of men for the number of jobs and would develop into a barrier that will in the future be difficult to surmount."

Third Vice-president Smith, who represents the mailers on the executive board, drew attention to the remarkable fact that all the increases secured by the mailers' locals during the twelve-month period covered by his report had been received through conciliation. He dwelt upon the increased usage of new devices in the trade, and to the skill displayed by the members of the mailers' organization in the operation of automatic mailing machines.

The report of Secretary-Treasurer Hays showed a total cash balance of $5,066,532.76, made up as follows: General fund, $1,313,308.72; Mortuary fund, $2,500,635.23; Old Age Pension fund, $1,252,588.81. For the twelve months ended May 31, 1926, there were 895 deaths on which the mortuary benefits paid aggregated $395,909.22, an average of $442.35. The average continuous membership of the 895 deceased members for whom benefits were paid was 29.8 years. Since the establishment of the Old Age Pension Fund and up to May 31, 1926, applications filed for pensions numbered 5,631. Of this number 361 were handled during the past fiscal year, 325 were approved; 22 were disapproved, and 14 were withdrawn. There were 2,461 members on the pension roll on May 31, 1926, of which number 71 were women. During the fiscal year 236 pensioners died. For the time these members were on the list they drew pensions totalling $476,167, an average of $2,017.65 for each.

The report of the executive council contained a draft of the new arbitration agreement adopted by the American Newspaper Publishers' Association, and also contained the text of the amended agreement with the German Typographia, which became effective on June 1, 1926, and by which the office of fourth vice-president of the International Typographical Union was abolished. This agreement was subsequently ratified by the convention.

During the convention, one day was taken up by the delegates inspecting the Union Printers' Home, on which occasion the International Typographical Union was the recipient of a bronze statue symbolizing the "Make-Up Man" presented by Captain de