CONDITIONS AT MARAETAI

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25274, 28 August 1947, Page 3

CONDITIONS AT MARAETAI

MINISTER REPLIES TO CRITICISM

MODERN EQUIPMENT USED (P.A.) WELLINGTON, August 27. “I will give every consideration to representations put forward in the constitutional manner through official union channels, but I cannot take heed of every complaint emanating from the disgruntled individuals on the job or from exaggerated press reports.” said the Minister of/Works (Mr R. Semple) to-day referring to a message from Rotorua containing references by Mr L. Clapham, secretary of the Mangakino branch of the New Zealand Workers’ Union, to conditions at Maraetai. “The tunnel mucking machine referred to in the press report is the most up-to-date American type for such work and much better than any machines previously used by tunnellers in New Zealand,” said Mr Semple. “No doubt it will require a period of use by men to overcome any prejudice against new methods, but I am confident nothing may be found to give more efficient service in dealing with the heavy rock now being excavated. “It is correct to say the tunnel floor is wet, and a large and increasing volume of water has to be dealt with. In ordinary circumstances the men are not working more than ankle deep except in the. bottom and when excavating for drains. The department has larger pumps available for installation as the water increases.

“The Mangakino village to house the workers would be the finest of its type in New Zealand, but the supply of building materials and the shortage of suitable tradesmen dictated the speed at which all amenities could be provided,” said the Minister. “More than 200 men were housed with their families. Other urgent works such as school buildings made it impossible to finish the shops, post office, hospital, and picture theatre. “Regarding complaints about the food, my department does not organise the catering,” said Mr Semple. “This is carried out by the New Zealand Workers’ Union, and any complaints should be directed by the men to their own union.”