Measure of Control Over Auckland Gasworks

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 53, 6 March 1944, Page 5

Measure of Control Over Auckland Gasworks

GOVERNMENT TAKES ACTION (Per Preas Association.) WELLINGTON, March 5. The Government has decided to exercise under tho authority of the Mining Emergency Regulations a measure of supervision over the Auckland gasworks for a limited period when the situation will be reviewed. Announcing this, Hon. D. G. Sullivan said the proposals had been accepted in principle by the company and by the employees and it was hoped the supervision would result in an improved service for Auckland and would bo of advantage to both the company and the workmen. A works production council was being established on which would be represented the workers, management and the Government. Certain real improvements to the amenities of the works were visualised, said Mr. Sullivan, and a war production bonus of 3d per hour over the award rates would be payable to certain employees provided the output of gas did not fall below a fixed minimum figure determined by the works production council. Safeguards would be provided for in case the output of gas fell through no fault of the workmen. The Minister added that the Government would do all it was possible and reasonable to do to maintain adequate and suitable supplies of coal.