“NOT FASCISTS”

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20731, 15 February 1939, Page 6

“NOT FASCISTS”

COMPLAINTS BY STAFF CENTRAL POWER BOARD POOR HOUSING SUGGESTED “We are not Fascists sitting here to dictate to people. I take it that the board is only too pleased to complaints," remarked Mr W. C. E. George at the meeting of the Central Waikato Electric Power Board to-day regarding alleged poor housing conditions. Mr Young said he had heard rumours that the housing conditions for employees of the board were very poor and that the people concerned could not understand why the board did not adopt a housing scheme. “Such rumours,” said Mr Young, “are damaging to the board's prestige. I think we * should send a questionnaire to all married employees asking if housing conditions are satisfactory and, if not, would a housing scheme be favoured. A Government loan for building could be obtained bv the hoard if a scheme were undertaken. “It is an inopportune time for building,” said Mr E. F. Peacoeke. “The costs at present are scandalous*." “The Government is now willing to find the money,” replied Mr Young, “and building costs are not likely to fall. If costs arc brought down the country would crash financially so no reduction can he expected." The chairman, Mr T. Hinton, said he had heard no complaints regarding housing conditions for employees. Few Permanent Employees “If the grievances are / legitimate they should be rectified,” said Mr George, “but I have heard no complaints. 1 suggest -we should go into committee and let Mr Young divulge the names of the person or persons who made the suggested complaints.’’ Mr Young said he could not do that. Mr H. J. Beeche, secretary-treasur-er, said many married men were engaged on reticulation work and that could not be permanent. It would, therefore, be difficult to decide for whom to build. Mr J. A. Sampson said the board could provide for permanent employees only. Mr J. R. Ellis, engineer-manager, remarked that only about three married men on the staff held permanent positions. "I think the board would be looking for trouble if it drew up a questionnaire,” said Mr George “Every member of the staff is well paid and is able to afford a decent house at a reasonable rent.” When Mr Ellis suggested that any dissatisfied employees should write to the board, Mr Young replied that they might fear to do that, thinking their positions might be in Jeopardy. “No employee of this board,” added Mr Ellis, “need fear that that he will be penalised if he has a legitimate claim to make.” A motion by Mr Young that a questionnaire be sent to the married employees was defeated.