THE OTIRA STRIKE..

Taranaki Daily News, 22 March 1918, Page 5

THE OTIRA STRIKE..

WORKERS' DEPUTATION TO TIIE . MINISTFR. By Telegrapli.—Press Association. Wellington, March 21. A deputation from tin; Otira Workers' Union waited on the Minister for Public Works this forenoon in reference to the strike over the management dispensing with the services of a hoy named Ernest Fell. The deputation said the lad was engaged for the lamp room, and was askccl to do firing work for a boiler, which work lie was unable to do owing to a withered arm. The Minister replied that the boy knew the work ho would be called upon to do. The Minister could filial no justification for the'stoppage of work. No harshness had 'been exercised towards Fell, who was given a month's notice as being unsuitable for tho job. The Minister is to see tho deputation again in the afternoon. Wellington, Last Night. Belying to a deputation from the OtiiT: tunnel works, Mr. Fraser said ha could not reins£ate Fell. Whatever ho did regarding this case would be a guide as aflM'ting other works. If he were to reinstate Fell it would be regarded thioiiphout the Dominion as an admission that hi the cnotrol of any work the district engineer must consult tho union before he could dispense with the services of any man. He could not allow tiieh an idea to go abroad.