TAMAKI DRAINAGE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 238, 7 October 1932, Page 3

TAMAKI DRAINAGE.

MEN REFUSED EXTRA PAY. OTAHUHU COUNCIL'S DECISION " SOME RATEPAYERS WOESE OFF." At the Ota.huliu Borough Council meeting last evening a spirited discussion arose over tho question of paying the relief workers, now working oil the Ta.maki drainage scheme, extra money. The finance committee reported that to pay tho men an extra 2/ per day would mean an additional expenditure of £250. Mr. F. W. Grey said that as the additional 2/ per day would mean that the relief workers would have to pay the wages tax on,their full earnings he would move that their wages be subsidised by 2/(1 per day. "I have been the first to criticise these men when they were loafing," said Mr. Grey, "but I can honestly say they are now pulling their weight and should be encouraged." Mr. J. J. Graham supported the motion as it would cost the ratepayers only 1/ each. He said tho original Act did not allow this sort of work to (be done as relief work, and they should not take advantage of the position of the men. Mr. J. Hunter opposed tho motion. He said lie was satisfied the men were worth more, but these were not normal times. The men should not grumble over a little hard work, as for over two years they had had an easy time, and gumboots had been provided. Mr. J. V. Lawes also opposed the motion, as he considered it would be a breach of faith with the ratepayers.

Council's Efforts in Past. 1 The Mayor, Mr. H. T. Clements, was definitely opposed to raising the wage. "This may not be a popular stand," said Mr. Clements, "but the council must ' consider other 'sections of the ratepayers. | Many are in a worse position than the relief workers. They are struggling along on half-timo and short time and facing many difficulties." During the 1 last five years the borough had raised over £4000 to assist the unemployed. Last year they over-spent their income, most of it to help the relief workers. The men were now being employed on useful work. No one had been sent to camp, because the council had seen to that, when other local bodies had not been so thoughtful. Surely there must .be some benefit in being at home within reach of seasonal employment. The fact was the council had not the money, and the half-year's balance would show they were well on the wrong side. He was. quite prepared to pay the men a bonus if there was any money left after the drainage was completed. Messrs. Trenwith, Parsons and Morgan spoke against the motion. Mr. Grey: No councillor would work down those trenches for 10/ per day. The Mayor: I have worked in worse places for 0/ per day. The motion was lost, only Messrs. Grey and Graham voting for it. The Mayor then moved that a committee be set up to keep a record of the men einployed on the drainage and if there is a balance the amount to be divided pro rata. This was carried. "Men Dissatisfied." A deputation of the relief workers was present and their spokesmen were I allowed to address the council. Mr. K. J. Brennan said they regretted the decision. The men were dissatisfied with their conditions. Ability should be recognised and some incentive given. Mr. W. J. Absolum asked, if they could meet the council in the morning, as the relief workers were holding a meeting on Friday night to consider whether they would go on with the work. There was a brisk exchange (between the Mayor and Mr. Aibsolum, whose final remark was, "We might as well starve in camp as in Otahuhu." The deputation was advised to do nothing rash, as. t>ho council was only seeking the best way out.