CAMP WORK.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 261, 4 November 1933, Page 7

CAMP WORK.

MEN AT ONEHUNGA. PROTEST MADE TO MINISTER. DEPARTMENT'S DICTUM.

Eight married men engaged on relief work at Onehunga who refused to go to camp received no pay this week, and 30 others have been informed that they will not be given time-sheets next week.

During the week the Mayor of Onehunga, Mr. E. Morton, telegraphed to the Honl A. Hamilton, Minister of Employment, stating that the Onehunga Borough Council was opposed to married men being sent to camp. Stating that the business men of Onehunga and the ex-Servicemen had endorsed this resolutionj the Mayor suggested that decent pay should be given to married men dofng country work. Yesterday afternoon the Minister replied: "Every endeavour is made to retain married relief workers in the locality in which they reside by placing them on suitable work if it is available. When such work is not available, then there is no option but to offer them work of a reproductive character if possible in another locality. In regard :to the demands on the unemployment fund, however, it is regretted that it is not possible to grant them full wages." On receipt of this telegram the Mayor informed a deputation that the council could find work, but at present there was a shortage of fund's to buy material. The council wished to raise a loan of £10,000, and if the ratepayers sanctioned it then there would be work in forming j more concrete footpaths and constructing swimming baths, etc. A deputation then waited upon Mr. Slaughter in reference to arranging for suitable work at Onehunga. It is understood that none is available. When the relief workers drew their pay yesterday afternoon, between 30 i and 40 of them were instructed that they would get no time-sheets next week. Eignt married men who had refused to go to camp received no wages this week.

The circumstances of 163 married relief workers in Onehunga have now been investigated by officers of the Labour Department. Twenty-one men decided to go to camp, now or later, while 29 refused to go, and were dismissed. Twenty-four men will undergo further examination, and 47 were given a limited period to reconsider their position. Five were suspended, and afterwards reinstated, and 37 were allowed to resume work without qualifications.