PUBLIC WORKS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2647, 18 December 1915, Page 2

PUBLIC WORKS

ROiD CONSTRUCTION , PROCEEDING. ! 'Although there-is no lack of worK for men able and willing to take ■ in the country districts, the Jlinister for Public "Works thinks it is already evident that there may be considerable unemployment during next winter. Mr. Fraser stated yesterday that .works on roads were stillt being continued, but certain railway works haa had to bo stopped. In the camps still working tlie numbers of men had been reduced, but not a single man had ever been discharged at his order. Men left camps from time to time, and lie hart rriven instructions that 310 new men Tver© to be taken on. Owing to the heavy, rains recently in the centre of the North Island, a great deal of extra; expenditure lia'd had to ba incurred. The rains had wrought great damage va tha papa country between the Maui Trunk line and tlio West Coast from Kawhiar down to New Plymouth, but'this fiooa damage was now repaired. Work generally on the roads ifras beinc proceeded with, though not so expeditiously_ as . last year, because it must be reooginsea that money-was not so plentiful this year, and it must also be recognised that provision must.be made for what unfortunately had proved to bo very probable—that there would be a considerable demand, for work during next winter by men who find themselves unable to get work in the country. I\othing in the nature of relief works was necessary now, however.