A RECENT GASWORKS TROUBLE

Evening Post, Volume CII, Issue 40, 16 August 1921, Page 3

A RECENT GASWORKS TROUBLE

The Petone Gas Works may be eaid to be now working under quite normal conditions, and the manager is perfectly satisfied with both the quantity and quality of gas being produced. Carters in the employ of local carrying firms are now carting the coal from the station, and the only visible sign of anything out of the ordinary is a small knot of the old workers who still undertake. picket duty. Several of'the old hands have, however, found work elsewhere. At last evening's meeting of the Petone council the secretary of the Canterbury Trades and Labour Council condemned the action of the Petone Council in refusing to meet the men, stating that this was a challenge of the right of collective bargaining: The secretary of the Auckland branch of tho A.S.R.S. forwarded a resolution sympathising with the council employees in their efforts to resist a reduction of wages—condemning the action of the council in attempting to lower the standard of living of its workers. The secretary of the Petone Gas Workers' Union claimed from the council several days' pay in lieu of holidays, also such pay for an employee, and restroapective pay for an employee who had left several months ago. The question of back pay is to be referred to the Labour Department, the council to abide by the Department's decision. A ratepayer, Mr. F. Clark, also wrote stating that owing to tho diversity of opinion with regard to the position at the gas works, he would respectfully ask to bo supplied with information setting forth the amount of coal received during a certain period this year, as compared with a similar period last year, the amount of gas produced per ton, and the number of men employed and wages paid. He also asked for particulars with regard to the Retail Department. It ■was stated the yearly statement would be available shortly, and in the meantime the books would be open to his inspection. In connection with the financial position at the gas works, the Mayor stated this was not in a flourishing condition, and it wus decided that the Gas Committee should meet next Monday evening, and investigate and report upon tho question. The question of extending the gas main in South-street will also be dealt with by (he Gas Commitlco on Monday evening. .