“EQUIPMENT NOT SUITABLE”

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25271, 25 August 1947, Page 8

“EQUIPMENT NOT SUITABLE”

MARAETAI DEVELOPMENT SCHEME

COMPLAINTS BY UNION SECRETARY

<P.A.) ROTORUA, August 23. A considerable amount of unrest is apparent among a section of the workers at the Maraetai hydro-electric development scheme, and although the diversion tunnel, which mubt be completed before any dam construction work can begin, is slowly being driven forward underground, the men on the job consider the equipment supplied is unsuitable for the terrain, the working conditions in the tunnel area appalling. and there is such a shortage of tools and equipment that many working hours are being lost. Against the advice of practical men who had worked underground all their lives and knew the work inside out, the engineers in charge had insisted on driving the tunnel with a machine unsuitable for the country, said the secretary of the Mangakino branch of the New Zealand Workers’ Union (Mr L. Clapham). Working conditions underground were appalling, continued Mr ClapLam, as the pumping equipment was not adequate to deal with the vast amount of seepage. At the face the men had to wade through three and four feet of water. There was a lamentable lack of small tools on the job. and many working hours were lost through men having to hunt around for some simple piece of equipment to carry on, he continued. Apart from the conditions on the job itself, the amenities provided in the camp were poor and inadequate, Mr Clapnam said. Although the camp population exceeded 1900, the shopping facilities were inadequate and enterlainment practically nil. Supplies generally in the camp were poor and verv expensive. Union’s Report The union was engaged in drawing up a comprehensive report which would be placed before the Minister of Works (Mr R. Semple) at an early date. The report would outline the workers’ grievances and would also explain why, in the opinion - of the union, the work on the tunnel was not proceeding as fast as it should. “If the department will concede our points and install the equipment we ask for, we will set a definite time on the contract and ensure that the job is finished by that time,’ said Mr Clapham.

The Works Department engineer in charge of the scheme (Mr A. F. Clark) said he realised there was some dissatisfaction on the part of a certain section of the workers. He admitted that the camp amenities were not of the best, but said that the department had been forced to concentrate on housing construction. There were now more than 250 dwellings erected in the camp and although more were needed, it was realised that some amenities would have to be provided before the camp grew larger. On technical complaints voiced by the workers. Mr Clark made no comment.