WET CUSHIONS

Hokitika Guardian, 13 July 1929, Page 6

WET CUSHIONS

AA’ELLIXGTON, July 12. A different complexion has been put on the action of the miners of the James State mine in striking against the use of wet cushions in a bus conveying them to their work. The information was dieted by Mr O’Brien (AA r estland) in a to the Hon. AAh A. A'oitch (Minister of Alines), who replied tlint when the newspaper report was published he requested an officer of the Alines Department visiting the AA’est Coast to investigate the incident. They were transported to and from work ill a bus, half the cost being paid by the Department, and half by the men. The driver was instructed to provide dry cushions, but, as the motor was used during the day for conveyance of shingle and sand, lie put the cushions out in the open, where thev got'saturated. The men made a protest, of which no notice was taken. They eventually decided not to go to work. The officer added in his report that the men were entitled to as comfortable conditions as other travellers, and their grievance was just, but lie expected them to communicate their grievances to the management instead of taking sueli drastic action. Steps lmd been taken to ensure that the cushions would in future be kept in a dry place.