"SOMETHING LIKE A STRIKE"

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 110, 3 February 1920, Page 8

"SOMETHING LIKE A STRIKE"

— SOLDIERS DOWN BROOMS TROUBLE AT CASHMERE SANATORIUM (By Telcgranh--l > rcps Association-Copyright Christchurch, February 2.. j Something like a. strike has occurred at the Cashmere Military Sanatorium, the soldier patients having given notice that in future tliey will not carry out indoor fatigue duties. A deputation waited on Dr: Thacker, M.P., this evening, ami stated their gricvonces. Spokesmen said that tho patients defiired lo bo nlaccd on a similar footing to that of the men in the Waipukurau Sanatorium. They objected to being compelled to do housemaid's work. Because of the danger of dust, they had_ been refused permission to ride to picnics in motor-cars, yet they were called upon to do sweeping fatigues. Pliey had no objection to outdoor work, but "were against washing anything more than their own cups. The matter was brought .under the notice of Sir James Allen and Colonel Fcnwick •' at the Sanatorium on the previous Sunday. The complaints naving been unsuccessful. tho soldiers gnvo ten days' notice of their refusal to do any further indoor fatigues, the notice expiring on Sunday evening. Breakfast was served yesterday, the orderlies washing up. The men, however, were notified that in future each would have to- sign for his messing utensils, for which he be held personally responsible. J Jus meant that he would have to wash them and pay for breakages. Resenting this, the soldiers Tefused to fall in with the scheme, and were not given a midday meal, or, they stated, tea at 3 p.m. Thirty-two of them came into the city and got a meal. All are unanimous in the refusal to do the fatieues .objected to. Their complaints had been turned down on the grounds that it was impossible to obtain labour, but in their opinion three maids could do the work. Dr. Thacker gave the men a sympathetic hearing, and subsequently telegranhed Sir .Tamos Allen as follows:— "Thirty-two men from Military Sanatorium have called on me, stating'that they refuse to do scullery 1 and indoor fatigue work. They intend to refuse absolutely to do this work. Kindly advise me and your Departments what is to be done."