PROSECUTION OF STRIKERS

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28518, 22 February 1958, Page 12

PROSECUTION OF STRIKERS

Summonses Served At Meremere (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, February 21. On the direction of the Minister of Labour (Mr Hackett) 35 boilermakers employed on the Meremere steam power project were served with summonses today for taking part in an alleged illegal strike, and the cases have been set down for hearing in the Magistrate’s Court at Pukekohe on March 6. Mr Hackett, said this morning that this action had been taken only after every means had been explored in trying to get the men to resume work and settle their dispute by conciliation and arbitration. The dispute concerns a claim made by the boilermakers for payment of depth money for working in a large excavation. Mr Hackett said he trusted work on the project would be resumed as soon as possible. Ho could assure the public that the Government would take all possible steps to ensure that an emergency work necessary to avoid serious damage was carried out. Rain Stops Tennis.— Rain curtailed the first day’s play of the Wilding Shield challenge match between Hutt Valley and Auckland at Auckland yesterday. Only 45 minutes play took place at the end of which Auckland had established a lead in three of the singles matches.—(P.A.)