MR SEMPLE’S CLAIM.

Evening Star, Issue 23563, 30 April 1940, Page 6

MR SEMPLE’S CLAIM.

TO THE EDITOK. Sir, —A great deal of publicity has been given to a demonstration at Burwood by the Hon. JR.. Semple, Minister < of Public Works. It w.rb stated that at the rate of progress after 10 minutes, which it was stated could be continued all day, 21 cubic yards could have been shifted a distance of three chains by means of the wheelbarrow. I must confess to be sceptical in regard to this superhuman effort. At-15 barrows to the yard, a conservative estimate, Mr Semple travelled 90 : chains with each yard. This means that he travelled a distance of over 23 miles, besides loading the 21 yards on to the barrow—truly a formidible effort. I would also point out that the stated' earnings, on a contract basis . were simply absurd, t invite criticism of the following :—2l cubic yards at Is Bd, £1 15s; loading allowance, 21 cubic yards at 6d per yard, 10s 6d; lead with barrows 4d per yard per chain; 21 yards at Is, £1 Is; total earnings, £3 6s 6d. Any Public Works ' Department engineer will verify this statement as a basis for co-operative contract on any job. Any man that loaded 21 yards 'into a dray, without any wheeling/ would be glad when knock-off time came. Mr Semple would probably be able to load about half.—l am, etc., Sceptical. i April 29.