PUBLIC WORKS

Hokitika Guardian, 14 March 1930, Page 6

PUBLIC WORKS

MINISTER RESENTS CRITICISM

By Temgrapn—Per Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, -March 13.

A deputation from the workers on the Tawa Elat Railway Tunnel and Deviation waited on the Minister of Public Works to-day. During proceedings the Hon Mr Ransom took exception to statements being made by Mr Cook Secretary of the New Zealand Workers’ Union in reference to his administration. The Minister said that he could get on with the workers very well but he could not get on with Mr Cook. He quoted statements which had appeared in the Press in which reference had .been made to “massacres on public works,” and he asked Mr Cook if lie was proud of it. Mr Cook: “What is wrong with it?”

Mr Ransom (throwing the papers aside): “Disgusting!” Mr Cook: “I am surprised that you are so' thin-skinned. We know what the conditions are on the publicworks.”

Mr Ransom: “You will be doing good service if you remedy them.” Mr Cook: We have given you a fair go since you have been Minister of Public Works.” Mr Ransom : “Well, I am not going to sit down and take this silently !” Mr Cook: “You have got the newspapers to reply through. They are wider open to you than to me.” Mr Ransom: “Oh, no! They are not!”

Mr Cook: “If I have ever said anything that has not been correct, J have apologised, and I will do it again.” Mr Ransom: “I will be interested when vou do that!”

Mr Ransom declined to grant a general increase of twenty per cent, in the ordinary rates, but lie promised to give consideration to special cases.

The Minister also said that he would consider the question of providing accommodation for all men, but lie pointed out that his Department had already spent over a quarter of a million on houses without getting any return in rent. He promised to visit the works, and later to make a considered reply.