MEN DISMISSED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 87, 12 April 1940, Page 9

MEN DISMISSED.

MR. SEMPLE'S ACTION.

UNFAIRNESS ALLEGED.

FULL INQUIRY WANTED.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. The secretary of the General Labourers' Federation, Mr. P. M. Butler, who inspected the Burwood golf course job which was the subject of action by the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. R. Semple, recently, and met the men concerned, said that in his opinion the men had been grossly misrepresented and maligned. He was also of the opinion that all available information had not been given to Mr. Semple during his visit to Burwood, which was followed by the dismissal of over 50 men. Mr. Butler said he was certain if the full facts had been placed before Mr. Semple a different line of action would have been taken. The work, he continued, did not directly come under the jurisdiction of the Labourers' Federation, nor was any award applicable to it. The men were paid in accordance with the public works agreement. However, the Labourers' Federation and the Canterbury General Labourers' Union. together with the men concerned, felt that a gross injustice had been perpetrated, and had accordingly asked the Federation of Labour to make representations for a full inquiry to be made into the matter. The men deeply resented the imputations of loafing" and indecent conduct which were levelled against them. The Federation of Labour bad made a request for an inquiry immediately after the occurrence, but"were still awaiting a reply. Mr. Butler added that while some men had been re-engaged on the job and others had been absorbed elsewhere, the balance of the men had been arbitrarilystood down from relief and were even denied the provisions of social security. Sustenance payments had been withheld from them for a longer period than the Act preseril>ed.