RAPAKI RELIEF TROUBLE

Evening Star, Issue 21619, 15 January 1934, Page 7

RAPAKI RELIEF TROUBLE

MAYOR AND LABOUR BUREAU; OFFICER AT LOGGERHEADS [Per United Press Association.] ; CHRISTCHURCH, January 15.- • ; The Mayor, Mr D. G. Sullivan, M.P.j. has written the Minister of Labour directing his attention to statements made by Mr R. T. Bailey, the officer in charge of the Labour Bureau, in .commenting on an address by the mayor to the Rapaki relief workers. _ The mayor alleges gross misrepresentation and libel by Mr Bailey. In a statement to tbe Prei?B'yester* day Air Bailey said, with reference to the calling of police to the Rapaki work: “ I wish to say it is astounding to find the mayor expressing himself in such a manner without giving the re. sponsible officers of the Public Work* Department, or the Unemployed Board,, an opportunity of being heard in their own defence. Surely it is not too much to expect from the Chief Magistrate of any city fair'and impartial treatment, and freedom from criticism on ex parte statements.”

The mayor concludes his letter by, suggesting that Mr Bailey be transferred, and stating: “ After reading his explanation I am more than _ ever convinced that there was no real justification for his importing the police into the dispute with the Rapaki workers,: as it does not appear that there was any breach of tM law or threats of violence*-- -v