RELIEF WORKERS DISCHARGED

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 296, 13 September 1927, Page 11

RELIEF WORKERS DISCHARGED

TROUBLE ON RIMUTAKA ‘HILL MEN OPPOSED TO GANGER Bi Telegbaih.— PßESS ASSOCIATION. Carterton, September 12. Unemployed relief men working on the Himutaka Hill, and engaged iu widening tlie road between the foot of the hill and Featherston, nave an ueen uiscu u , b . with the exception of three. It is alleged that a ganger made an attack on a little man, whoso mate went to his assistance. When matters were quietened. it is alleged, the men refused to work under the ganger and went on strike. The matter was reported to the Public Works Department, and an officer arrived and discharged six men, then another six. aud finally all except three. The men discharged, it is said, total 32, and include the ganger. Consequently work on the Featherston side of the hill is at a standstill.

The police and officials are reticent about the matter, but it appears that the men have been seething against tho severity of tho ganger for some time. Matters reached a climax when tho Public Works Engineer was informed of the position, and, after inspecting the camp, advised nineteen single men that their services were not roqni 'cd. He alleged that the Department was putting off all single workers. The engineer returned a few days later, and, not satisfied with the conditions of the camp, put off six more men. Two days later six more got marching orders. The position then was that there were three mon left at the camp to look after the tents, etc. Of these one, while riding a motor-cycle, met with an accident which necessitated nis retirement. The other iwo men are still at the camp.

disorderliness at CAMP. . In reference to this matter the chief assistant engineer of the Public Works Department (Mr. C. J. McKenzie) stated that it was correct that twenty men had been put off, all single .with the exception of two. There had been police complaints regarding the conduct of the -nen in camp, allegedly due to drinking. Married men from the Tawa Flat iob were being sent to the Rimutaka Hill work. Mr. McKenzie considered the statement attributed to the engineer regarding the dismissal of all single men would bo found to lack confirmation.