The Connecticut labor news., 1924-10-18
LABOR REFORMS IN
 JAPAN AND PERSIA
Competition Lessened Through League of Nations, Says International
 Labor Office.

Labor Office.
 The InterhaJionaI Labor Office, as part of the League of Nations. through conferences and other means of CO., operation, has accomplished reforms in several countries that both improve the status of labor and reduce unfair c5In- petition with countries like the United States that maintain better working conditions and shorten hours. The re- forms sought vary in different coun- tries, of codrse, according to local con- ditions, climate and customs.
 As a result of the activities of the International Labor Conference the reforms accomplished i'll Japan and Persia are briefly as follows:
 In Japan the employment of children under the age of F has been pro hibited Children over the age of t2 may be admitted to employment if they have finished the course in the ele- nentary school
 The employment of children under the age of 14 years on board ship has been prohibited,
 Japan has prohibited the employ nent of any child or young person un- der 18 years of age on board ship, unless he IS provided with medical certificate attesting fitness for such work
 Japan has given effect to the un employment convention providing for the establishment Of free public enl- ployment exchanges and for recipro- city of treatment for immigrants un- der unemployment insurance systems.
 Japan has also applied the conven- ton providing for the abolition of pri- vate fee-charging agencies for finding for seamen and the sub stitution of public employment offices.
 Japan has adhered to the Berne Con- vention of 1o06 prohibiting the use of white phosphorus in the manufacture of matches.
 Legislation embodying general prin- NlplCo lOI IAiI plctSStiOih CL "oAAh%AA D~ fore and after childbirth has also been passed,
 An act providing that the night work of women and young persons should be absolutely prohibited three years from the date of the enforcement of the act has been adopted
 Reforms in Persia.
 The Persian government has not yet taken any legislative action in accord ance with the decisions of the Interna tional Labour Conference. It has, however, given evidence of it's interest in the desirabi1ity of improving indus trial conditions
 According to the evidence of the British consular authorities, children of tender years were being employed for an excessive number of years in under sanitary conditions of he most appalling kind.
 As a result of the intervention of he International Labour Office, the Persian government ordered the Ker nan local authorities to enforce the oIiowing. among other, rules: (a) Eight=hour day. (b) Prohibition of employment Of ,llildren under 10. Cc) Permission of workers to leave actory at midday for rest. (d) Provision of healthy sites and pure air for factories.
 (e) Provision Of suitable seats for women and children to work in normal positions.
 These measures have been confirmed md i'll some respects extended, by a lecree dated 17 December, 1925, pro- by the governor of the Pro- -;nce of Herman in accordance with he decision of the Persian govern- nent. The new decree provides for a uaxitnu1n working day of s hours, q minimum age of employment of $ years fox boys and 10 for girls, the of underground or damp workshops, the monthly sanitary in