PUBLIC WORKS MEN

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20068, 14 October 1939, Page 9

PUBLIC WORKS MEN

NO BAR TO ENLISTING DENIAL OF RUMOURS Rumours have been in circulation in Otago that men employed on puolic works undertakings have been instructed not to offer their services as volunteers in the special military force now being built up, particular reference being made to the Hollyford Ilomer Tunnel undertaking and the irrigation works at Rangitata, in Canterbury. From .inquiries made it appears evident that the rumours have no foundation in fact and are given an emphatic deniql by the authorities. When communicated with, the chief district public works engineer, Mr. P, Keller, remarked that the rumours did appear to be in existence among the workmen from information he had received, but no one knew how they started. "I can give these rumours a complete denial,” added Mr. Keller. “No man on public works has been discouraged from enlisting and no restrictions have been placed on any workmen, either on Hollyford or any other public works undertakning.” The department, Mr. Keller continued, knew it was inevitable thai men would enlist from time to time and they were at liberty to do so when they wished. Thru was no military significance about the Homer Tunnel road, which was- being bmlt sciely for scenic purposes The same complete denial of rumours relating to the Rangitata job was also made.