"Ragging" in Auckland.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 9, 5 October 1907, Page 6

"Ragging" in Auckland.

i, -■- « v. SERIOUS ALLEGATIONS. DISCUSSION BY TRADES AND LABOR COUNCIL. (By Telegraph—Own Correspondent.) Auckland, Oct. 3. At last night's meeting 'of. the Trades and Labor Council, Mr. Peek, declared' that "ragging" was prevalent'in Auckland. He knew of an instance in which a young man, who Went 1 to the engine sheds, was so badly treated that ho was finally obliged to leave the service. He was pelted with all sorts of missiles, such as bits' of coal and pieces of dirty waste. Ho complained to the foreman oil several occasions, but this was of no use, as when the latter appeared on the scene all the cleaners were, hard at work; but as soon as his back was turned, or he went to another part of the shed, they were at the. young man again. Mr. Peek described, tho men who were responsible for this as "a lot of hoodlums.". He had also been told of another case in which a young man had been stripped and smeared with oil.-' Ho moved that the secretary ho instructed .to write to the Minister of Railways, drawing his attention; to the fact .that "ragging" is going on in Auckland, and to request him to take -steps to , rectify tho matter. ~■:'.. . Tho motion was seconded. Mr. A. Rosser said that what was going on in the engine sheds was not "initiation," but "filthy horse play." He knew of an instance in the carpenter's trade where a.boy had been stripped and covered >with glue. He'did not know whether this sort of thing was done in other trades. : Mr. Moxam: Not among respectable tailors. •'.',■ : Mr. Rosser: We don't have it among respectable carpenters, but unfortunately we have all classes. ■■'■ Mr. Peek further stated that he knew of an instance where cleaners, on hearing that two . recruits • were coming, planned what, they would do to them. A great deal depended upon, having reliable engine .drivers and firemen in the service, . and they should, do what they could to encourage respectable young men to. enter, and not a lot of hoodlums. The motion was carried. .