SERIOUS POSITION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 10 January 1931, Page 6

SERIOUS POSITION

OF MEN ON RAILWAY WORKS DISCHARGED ON RETURN FROM HOLIDAYS WHY WAS NOTICE NOT GIVEN BEFORE? A_ correspondent who has just returned from spending a few days about the Public Works camps and Gowan Bridge and Owen Junction, etc, which are suddenly closing down, writes stating that he would like to make known to the public the position these men, especially those with big families, find themselves in at the present time. He writes: “Of course it is had enough for a single man to find himself suddenly out of work and without a home or shelter and with very little money, though he can rough it till something else turns up, hut the- man with a large family is in a different position. “When the works closed down for the Christmas holidays as they have done every other year, the men were not informed that- they were not to recommence after the holidays. Those amongst the single men who had saved enough for a trip naturally left immediately for some other part of New Zealand, and while away saw it announced that these works were closing. The day after the holidays those that were not on contract work were given their discharge and paid*off. Before being paid these men had to hand in everything lent them by the Public Works Department, including their mattresses and were told to vacate their huts at once. “Thus they found themselves suddenly out of work, turned away and nearly penniless. The Resident Engineer in charge, realising the position these men were in, applied for an extension of time. ' Fortunately this was granted and the works were opened for another six days'. “The men believe that no transfers to other parts will be granted. No -instructions to this effect have been received so far “When the works close down again next Tuesday the married men will find themselves in a sad position. “Why was notice of closing not given out before the holidays commenced? Surely at least a month’s notice (working days) should have been given. The men would then have -economised instead of spending for Christmas and so have had something in hand when the works closed.

"Some who had gone to their homes came back from as far as Auckland and Dunedin only to receive their discharge. “No blame whatever can be laid to the local officers in charge whose duty it is to obey instructions from Head Office.

“In regard to the married men with families cannot they receive some further work there, or else be transferred to where there is work to be had? The same thing has happened in Gisborne, but the men there are to be transferred elsewhere. Why not so here?” FURTHER PROTESTS A meeting was held In Murchison on Monday morning last to arrange the protest' of the district against the stoppage of the railway works. There were present the chairman of the _ County Council, who presided, the chairman of the Murchison Dairy Factory Company, Vhe president of tne Farmers’ Union, representatives of the business firms and of the farming community. It was resolved that telegrams of protest be immediately sent to the Government, with copies to Mr Blgck, member far the district and the Hon. H. Atmore, and a committee was appointed to arrange for a public meeting to be held to-niglit. The sudden resolve of the Government has given the district a severe shock and was quite unexpected.