DISPUTE CONCERNING RIVERS BOARD WORK

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 151, 23 March 1938, Page 13

DISPUTE CONCERNING RIVERS BOARD WORK

No Agreement Results From Meeting Of Parties Dominion Special Service. Napier, March 22. The proposals put forward by the Hawke’s Bay Rivers Board at its meeting yesterday as a solution of the trouble with the unions concerned in the Ngaruroro River protection work were rejected at a meeting of the workers last night. A further discussion of the difficulties was held to-day, when a deputation representing the workers met Mr. C. Lassen, chairman of the board; Mr. G. Rochfort, engineer; Mr. W. J. O’Connell, the board’s clerk; and Mr. L. Willis, the board’s solicitor. The unions’ proposals 'were not satisfactory to the board’s representatives, who said they were unable to discuss the union’s proposals and the meeting lapsed. Indications now are that the work will be undertaken by the Public Works Department. This suggestion lias been made to the board by the Minister of pulilie Works, Hon. R. Semple, who proposes to carry it out with machinery.

“The men have gone a Jong way to 4-each a settlement, and it appears the board is too dogmatic in its attitude in the matter,” said Mr. H. Kay, secretary' of the Hawke’s Bay Builders and General. Labourers'\Union, commenting on Hie position. Appeals against the decision of a magistrate concerning the case will be continued by the unions.