Evening star., 1938-10-13
D. c, WAGE BOARD
PLEDGES AID IN
= ADMINISTRATION
Andrews DisCIoses Plan to
Use Body in Address
Before Trade Group.
REGIONAL OFFICE TO BE
SET UP AT RICHMOND
Local Unit Would Lack Authority
to Enforce Law, but Would
Report Violations.


operation with the Department OF
Labor Wage and Hour Division in ad-
ministration of the Federal Wage
Hour Act here.
Elmer F.. Andrews, administrator OF
the act, disclosed in speech before
the Board of Trade last night that
he expects to make use OF the exist
ing minimum wage board here in ad-
ministering the law locally. calling
on it to act somewhat as an observing
and reporting agency for the Federal
administration.
The actual administration OF the
act here will be directed from
regional Office to be set up in Rich
mond, Va. The local Minimum Wage
Board would not have authority to
enforce the act itself, it was pointed
out. but probably will observe condl-
tions here and report on cases in
Volving possible violations OF the law.
Would Welcome Move.
Mrs. William Kittle, chairman of
the District of Columbia Minimum
Wage Board. said today she had re-
cefSed no official notification from any
quarter, but that such move would
be welcomed heartily.
Already, she explained. the wage
board has been given authority to
administer two local acts, one on
minimum wages and the other on
hours. The hour law. formerly ham
died by the Board of Health, was
turned over to the minimum wage
board. She felt that this already
established agency was the logical
body to unity the administration OF
all wage and hour laws affecting the
District of Columbia. The local board,
Mrs. Kittle said, had operated har-
moniously, with never dissenting
vote on final decisions. 1t was carry
ing out, she said, mot only the letter,
but also the spirit, of the legislation.
Two members of the District Board
of Commissioners were at the session
where Mr. Andrews spoke, Chairman
Melvin C. Hazen and the neE Engi-
neer Commissioner, Col. David Nc
Coach. jr.
Demand that Congress increase its
payments toward support of the Dis
trict of Columbia was voiced by Rob-
ert v. Fleming as chairman of the
Municipal Finance Committee of the
trade body.
d. Declaring that the local community
"cannot at this time or in the near
future be asked to shoulder heavier
Cax) burden than it is now carry
applause when he said, I'VE feel that,
unquestionably, the Government OF
the United States is not paying its
fair share of the cost of operating
the Nations Capital"
Chain Store Tax Hit.
Other features OF the meeting, pre-
sided over by Francis G. Addison, Jr.,
president of the board, included con-
demnation of the proposed Patman
chain store tax by George J. Field
man, attorney; report Of the boards
Traffic Committee by Col. Lawrence
c. Crawford, who urged adoption of
\ plan for this proposed traffic safety
commission; presentation Of an appeal
for the red cross. and an invitation by
Commissioner Melvin c. Hazen to
board members to attend the Inter
American Horse Show at Meadow
Brook October 20 to %.
Administrators Andrews made his i'm
portant announcement regarding local
application of the Wage-Hour Act, as
an Interpolation into his prepared
speech. After praising the local MINI
|, Il !,
that Commissioner Hazen and the wage
board here would help" and that later
funds would be provided by Congress to
reimburse the District of Columbia.
He indicated he was giving the pro-
posal serious consideration, and might
put it into effect.
May Delegate Authority.
Interviewed briefly by The Star, after
his speech, and just before Mr.. An
drews left by plane to address the
American Federation of Labor Conven-
ton today in Texas. the administrator
explained that he had full power un-
der the act to delegate authority" to
a local unit to enforce provisions OF
the national act.
sion of the local situation in the Dis
trict shortly after preliminary ex-
planation of the act itself.
! 1.-The effect of this program on the
country as a whole" he declared, will
he reflected here in Washington. Every
increase in purchasing power to the
vSpe Garner will result in increased
sales of goods and services in this city,
and every safeguard from cut-throat
competition will aid the business man
of this city in his fight for fair trade
practices.
"You have already minimum wage
law in the District of Columbia which
applies to women and minors. 1t pro-
vides for wage conferences for local In
dustries which guarantee standard
work week at certain wage rates, with
special allowances Tor overtime. These
wage conferences represent equally all
elements in the business life of the Dis
trsct and are characterized by an ex-
tensive study of competitive conditions
May l call attention to the fact
that the essential structure of this law
served as one of the models for the
Falr LABOR Standards Act of 1882"
After explaining briefly authority of
his office, Mr. Andrews returned to dis
-cussion of the local situation.
Congratulates Board Member.
mo doubt you are more familiar
than l with the work of the District
MINIMUM Wage Board" he said, but
l would like to take this opportunity
to congratulate your able Mr. Wood
ward (Claude Woodward, assistant
10 the president of the Board of Trade)
on the outstanding contribution he is
making as member of the group"
Mr.. Woodward was present, and had
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