THAMES LOCO. WORKS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 104, 4 May 1929, Page 22

THAMES LOCO. WORKS.

GOVERNMENT ORDERS WANTED. ARTISANS' ANXIETY. POSITION STATED TO PREMIER. (By Telegraph.—Special to " Star.") WELLINGTON, this day. In an interview with the Prime Minister, Mr. A. M. Samuel, M.P. for Thames, raised the question of further orders for locomotives to Price Bros., Thames. He assured Sir Joseph Ward that a definite promise had been given by the Reform Government that two heavy engines would be built at the Thames works, which would give a year's employment to the staff. Mr. Samuel said he was concerned solely over the skilled employees who had their homes in Thames. The .State was carrying morgages in respect of these men's dwellings totalling £33,000. When the change of Government occurred the Railway Department notified Price Bros, that they would receive no further orders for locomotives. All Government work on order had been completed, and if the decision were not reversed a large number of skilled men would need to seek employment elsewhere. The Prime Minister undertook to consult the Minister of Railways on the question and to give Mr. Samuel an early reply.