PUSHING ON MANGAHAO.

Otaki Mail, Volume XXVIII, 19 March 1920, Page 4

PUSHING ON MANGAHAO.

STRONG REMARKS. The Wellington trams suffered a partial break-down during the latter part of last week. The brickwork of the principal boiler in the tramway power-house collapsed, and the boiler was out of commission till repairs could be effected. There is no margin whatever for emergency in tlie power-house at present, and consequently only a much-restricted service could be maintained. This did not incline delegates to moderation when delayed hydroelectric development was under discussion at the Chambers of Commerce Conference. One speaker, Mr E. H. j Crabl), of Palmerston North, was particularly outspoken. “A piece of rank impertinence” were the words he used in reference to the criticism by Mr li. \V. ITolmcs, Public Works Engineer, of the vigilance committee. Conditions a! Mangnliao he described as disgraceful- -no place for the men to dry their clothe.-, no recreation, and the wages only raised to Bis a day after long delay, while in Palmerston men were being paid Els to J-ts wet or dry for borough street work. Mr Crabh did not appear puzzled t lint the Public. A Yorks Department did not get more men. but that they got any. Incidentally Air Crabb criticised the heads of the Department, some at least, as being past the. age of efficiency.