NOT SCULLERY MAIDS.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 February 1920, Page 5

NOT SCULLERY MAIDS.

SOLDIER PATIENTS ON STRIKE. REFUSAL TO DO FATIGUE. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Christchurch, Last Night. Something like a strike has occurred at the Cashmere military sanatorium, the soldier patients having given notice that in future they will not carry out indoor fatigue duties. A deputation waited on Dr. Thacker, M.P., this evening and stated their grievance. Spokesmen said the patients desired to be placed on a similar footing to the men in the Waipukurau Sanatorium. They objected to being compelled to do housemaids' work, because of the danger of dust. They had been refused permission to ride to picnics in motors, yet tliet' were called upon to do sweeping fatigues. They had no objection to outdooor work, but were against washing anything more than their own cupsThe matter was brought under the notioe of Sir James Allen and Colonel Fenwick at the Sanatorium on Sunday. Previous complaints having 'been unsuccessful, the soldiers gave ten days' notice ■ their refusal to do any further indoor fatigues, the notice expiring on Sunday evening. Breakfast was served yesterday, the orderlies washing up. The men, however, were notified that in future each would have to sign for his messing utensils, for which he would be hold personally responsible, meaning that he would have to wash them and pay for breakages. Resenting this they refused to fall in with the scheme and were not given a midday meal or, they . stated, tea. Thirty-two came into the city and got a meal. All are unanimous in their refusal to do the fatigues objected to. -Their complaints had been turned down on tlie grounds that it was impossible to obtain labor, but, in their opinion three maids couldi do the work.

Dr. Thaclcer gave the men a sympathetic hearing, and subsequently telegraphed to Sir .Tames Allen: "Thirtytwo men from the military Sanatorium have called on me stating that they refuse to do scullery and indoor fatigue work. They intend to absolutely refuse to do this work. Kindly advise me and your Department what in to be done."