"GO FOR YOUR LIFE"

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 132, 1 December 1936, Page 11

"GO FOR YOUR LIFE"

WORK ON HOLIDAYS

MINISTER'S ADVICE

(By Telegraph—l'ress Association.)

BLENHEIM, This Day.

"Yes. Go for your life," replied the j Minister of Public Works (the Hon. R. Semple), when asked by South Main Trunk workers at Wharanui yesterday if men entitled to a full holiday on pay could go harvesting during the fortnight that work will be stopped at Christmas. Several aspects of the conditions applying to employment on public works were cleared up by the Minister in addresses delivered to gatherings of the men during his inspection of railway works. Mr. Semple made it clear that he was keen that the' men should accept seasonal employment. He assured them that the Government would guarantee that their Public Works employment would be kept open for them. The only condition he made was that the period should not be longer than three months. The matter of a general application to Public Works camps was involved in the question of provision of transport for workers' wives and children taken ill in camp and requiring removal to hospital. The Minister said this question was really one for medical and hospital organisations. He assured pie men, however, that special steps would be taken in a case of serious illness, but he had no authority to spend money in the purchase of conveyances. The Minister referred with satisfaction to the general atmosphere of good will and contentment he had noted amortg the men in the course of the present tour, and also when he visited the East Coast, North Island, line and the Rotorua district road works. He also expressed gratification at the progress of the works, which was up to his expectations. Mr. Semple stayed at Kaikoura last night, and is continuing south today.