RELIEF CAMP STRIKE

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 27, 24 September 1931, Page 3

RELIEF CAMP STRIKE

Press Assoeintior

-"Post" Special Service.

MEN OFFERED CONTRACTS BUT CLAIM WAGES AND KEEP LOW RATES OF PAYMENT

l — Copyright.

By Telephone—

CHRISTCHURCH, Wednesday. The men at one of the relief camps established near Christchurch went on strike yesterday morning, when they were informed by the En-gineer-in-Chief of the Public Works Department that they were working under contract and no't, as they claim they wero toki before leaving for camp, for 10/- a week and found. The camp is at the "Ilill Top," the men being employed on the Summit Road. They were offered 21d. a yard for moving clay; 3d. for soft rock; 4d for rotten rock; and 6d for solid rock. Where they are to work the bulk of the metal would be clay. The Unemployment Committee visited the camp to-day and found the men there waiting for them. Members of the committee heard the men's case and promised to take up the matter with the Department. The committee explained that they were unable to guarantee anything, but they would do their best and urged the men to go to work in the meantime. The men would not agree to work for an indefinite period, awaiting the decision, but promised to give the committee a week. Most of the men were satisfied with this arrangement and went off to work, but eight left to go back to Christchurch carrying their swags,