WHOLE STAFF SACKED

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 918, 11 March 1930, Page 9

WHOLE STAFF SACKED

AUSTRALIA HOUSE HEADS STRANDED .SYMPATHY—BUT NO CASH LONDON, March 5. Consternation has been caused at Australia House by the notices of dismissal sent to members of the staff of the migration department. • The notice says: “It is with sincere regret that, by instruction of the High Commissioner, Sir Granville Ryrie, we inform you that In accordance with instructions received from the Prime Minister of Australia, Mr. J. H. Scullin, we are compelled to give you notice. Your engagement with the department must terminate on April 16. it is greatly regretted that circumstances have forced this position, and it is desired to express our keen appreciation of the efficiency and loyalty you have exhibited during your service with the department.” The * notices were signed by Mr. C. H. Manning, Director of Migration. The typewritten documents were sent to 11 officials, who Include eight married men artd five ex-soldiers. There is no suggestion of compensation or gratuities, no attempt to provide other positions, and no offers of passages to Australia. The men are virtually stranded. No other department of Australia House has been reduced, but only n\e remain in the migration department, where the reduction totals 90 Per cent.

A deputation from- the department saw Sir Granville and an ex-soldier said: “It is useless looking for work Q London, saying you are an Australian. You might as well say you fl re • Russian Employers have the i<sea tflat all Australians are risers, and fomentors of trouble, 1 ’ least, unwilling workers.”