A CHALLENGE.

Otaki Mail, 5 March 1923, Page 3

A CHALLENGE.

To The Editor. Sir,—As the water-works, now being carried ou by the Otaki Borough Council is a public mutter as far as the ratepayers within its boundaries are concerned, I trust you will grant me sufficient space in your valuable paper to speak of matters in connection therewith. I will be as brief as possible, I, with about 18 others, was put on the works digging drains, etc., for laying of pipes for the water supply. I worked this job for about six weeks. During the time I was there I did not hear any complaints as to my manner of working. In justice to myself I would here state: that for about thirtv vears I have Been doing manual labour, during all this time my employers never complained of the style or amount of work done by me in any one day, simply because I gave no grounds for complaint. A few days back I found that I, with three or four others on the wa-ter-works’ job, were, on pay-day, discharged without getting previous noI tiee or cause of complaint for which four wero discharged, and I am still anxious to know the reason why. Will anyone who reads this letter and who knows the real cause of- our being put off the works be kindly disposed and tell me and my mates? Really it makes me almpst feel angry when I cannot think of any cause I have given for this action. I know that I and fotfr others one day in filling three drays with earth sent out five dray-loads more than any of- the dray fillers composed of five men to each dray did. The recompense for doing this was apparently our discharge, and I cannot understand it. In conclusion, Mr Edi; tor, I am prepared to work alongside of the best pick and shovol man for one day or more for a prize of five -pounds (£5), the work to include heavyweight lifting. Of course this offer applies to the other eighteen men only, who were working with me—this £5 prize to be given for the use of some charitable purpose, I will be very pleased to make final arrangements with any person who will take my offer up. I am prepared to give undeniable proof of my statements as above to any interested person. Thanking you, Sir. in anticipation fpr inserting this'letter. I—l apt, etc., P. COOK. i Otaki, March 3, 1923.