NEW WATEE SUPPLY

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 147, 24 June 1933, Page 10

NEW WATEE SUPPLY

QUESTION OF WAGES

Speaking at Newtown last evening in support of the candidature of Mr. Peter Fraser, M.P., for the vacant seat on the City Council, Councillor P. M. Butler 'said that efforts were being made to throw dust in the eyes of the people regarding the supply of artesian water from the Hutt Valley. Mr. Butler stated that when the poll of the ratepayers was taken on this matter most of the candidates supporting the proposal had informed the electors that the work would be car- ' ried through at standard wages and standard conditions of employment. The electors had endorsed this and had voted in favour of,the proposition, being tired of relief work, and all it means to the community, and seized this chance to give impetus to normal work and normal wages. The Mayor was in favour of standard wages and standard conditions on this work, but there was no doubt tht pressure was being brought to bear in order -to force through a substantial portion ,', of tho.work under the No. 5 scheme. The council at its last meeting did not ! | make any decision on the matter, and •dt was referred to.a following, meeting. 'This work was urgent and necessary, -the money was available for it, and $here were men anxious to commence, "fijut' the matter was being held up because behind the scenes various interests were attempting to thwart the almost unanimous decision of the ©lectors. ',Mr. Butler anticipated* that the Miryfor would support standard rates and, conditions of work, but said that unfesp the people demanded what they voted for pressure might be too strong. _kr. Fraser was standing four-square for .carrying out the job at standard wages and conditions, and Mr. Butler urgeid the electors to return him to the council as an indication of desire that the swishes of the people should be carried lout.