BRITISHERS OR FOREIGNERS?

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 4, Issue 121, 15 December 1915, Page 2

BRITISHERS OR FOREIGNERS?

Railway , Department's Excuse. Referring to the indictment made in these columns last week relative to the employment of foreigners on the grade easement works between Pukekohe and Drury, the Auckland "Star" of yesterday's date says:—"lnquiries on the subject were made from the Department this morning by a reporter, who was informed tbat it was a fact that a certain number ot Dalmatians were being employed on urgent permanent way works, thougb it was absolutely untrue tbat tbey were given preferencce over Britishers. I'he rule was to take on, firstly, married Britishers; secondly, single Britishers; and thirdly, foreigners. If enough Britishers were available, no foreigners would be employed, but at present the faimers were 'skimming the cream' from the railway " gangs. A good man could earn 15s a day or more on a farm, as against 9a a day from the Depart* ment. Under those circumstances it was no wonder men were hard to get, and the Department was hardly to be blamed for making ose of Dalmatians if no others offered." *