M.P. Asks Brewery Not To Close

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31027, 5 April 1966, Page 16

M.P. Asks Brewery Not To Close

(New Zealand Press Association) GISBORNE, April 4. The member of Parliament for Gisborne (Mrs E. I. Tombleson) has made an urgent appeal to New Zealand Breweries to reconsider the decision to close down the Gisborne Brewery.

Mrs Tombleson has sent the following telegram to the chairman of directors of N.Z. Breweries (Mr M. O. Barnett): “I earnestly request your organisation to reconsider the decision to progressively discontinue operations at the Gisborne brewery. At a time when the city and district are making strenuous endeavours to promote employment-giv-ing industries using local and ancilliary services, your company’s decision is particularly regrettable. 1 respectfully suggest that Gisborne's support over many years of the Gold Top brewery presents a moral case at least for considering

its rehabilitation and continuation. Your comments, particularly details of the re-employ-ment in Gisborne of the present staff, would be appreciated." Mrs Tombleson said she hoped that her appeal would lead to careful consideration of the secondary consequences which could arise from the closure, notably employment changes. “I am assured by a Gisborne director of New Zealand Breweries, Ltd., Mr E. T. Chrisp, that the question of continuing employment of men now working in the Gisborne brewery will be one of the first considerations of the board and that superannuation rights of all the staff will be protected,” Mrs Tombleson said. "However, I am also concerned at the statement in the closure announcement that the staff will be offered suitable employment in the Leopard brewery at Hastings, in a bulk store to be established in Gisborne, or elsewhere. “As married men with children may be involved, this suggestion of some employees having to move from Gisborne is disturbing and I hope to get some reassurance on this point,” Mrs Tombleson said.