THAMES WORRIED

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 50, 21 May 1927, Page 15

THAMES WORRIED

ENGINE ORDERS WANTED SIXTY MEN LOSE JOBS C LACK N ESS in the engineering business carried on at Thames by A. and G. Price, Ltd., builders of locomotives, was this morning brought under the notice of the Prime Minister, the Hon. J. G. Coates, by Mr. T. Rhodes, M.P., of Thames, and Messrs, R. Burns (Auckland), D. McKay (Thames), and H. Lowe (Thames County). Mr. Rhodes pointed out that many men were unemployed through the slackness at Price and Co.’s works. Air. Burns said the departmental officers, who said engines were not required just now, were apparently affected by the wave of pessimism now passing over the country. He pointed out, however, that there was always a shortage of rolling stock when times were good, so that it would be a good policy to build more engines at once. Mr. McKay said GO men had already left Price and Co.’s works, and another 20 or so would soon have to go. Jt was having a bad effect on the town. The Prime Minister: We have never misled the firm in regard to continuing our orders. In spite of that we are doing our best to give them work. We ourselves are in the same position. We have more men than we require. He promised to do his best concerning this, also concerning the formation of the Thames-Tairua Road, to which the deputation also referred.