PUBLIC WORKS POLICY

Hokitika Guardian, 2 June 1931, Page 5

PUBLIC WORKS POLICY

(By Teleyraph—Per Press Association) WELLINGTON, June 1. Hon. Mr Taverner, in a letter to the Secretary of the New Zealand Workers’ Union (Mr A. Cook), in reference to the cessation of work on the Tawa. Flat Tuntiell and on other portions of public works, involving" lint only tunnellers, Imt other tneli. suit! —The Public Works Department, in lining continually approached by tunnellors and others who are anxious to take up work on these discontinued sections at the rates which have been offered to the men who were previously employed thereon, blit who are now idle. He adds that .in view of the large number of men out of work, there is no reason why those willing to work should any longer he denied an opportunity. and that ,miles stlie men who up until recently had been employed by the Department are prepared to resume work, and to sign fresh contracts before the end of the week, at the rates which have been fixed, there will be no other course open but to give tho work to those who are applying for it. Mr Taverner further states that as there is only a certain amount of money available for public works, it is considered to he more equitable to have arrangements to spread it over the largest number of men at a reasonable rate of pay, rather than to retain the existing rates and to dismiss n proportion of those employed, which, he says, is the only alternative.