RELIEF GANG DISPUTE

Greymouth Evening Star, 12 September 1927, Page 8

RELIEF GANG DISPUTE

WHOLESALE DISMISSALS. (Per Press Association.) CARTERTON, Sept. 12. Unemployed men on the Rimutaka Hill, engaged in widening the road, between the foot of the hill and Featherston, have all been sacked, with the .exception of three.

It is alleged that a. ganger made an attack on a little man. The latter’s cobber came to his assistance. When matters quietened, it is alleged that the men refused work under the ganger and went on strike. The matter was reported to the Public Works and an officer arrived, and sacked six men, then another six, and finally all, except three were sacked. The men, it is said, total 32, and include -the ganger, consequently the work on the Featherston side of the hill is at a standstill.

LATER. Police and officials are reticent about the matter, but it appears that the men had been seething against the severity of Ganger Hannone for some time, matters finally reaching a climax. The Public Works Engineer was advised of the position, and after inspecting the camp advised nineteen single men that their services were not required, alleging the Department was putting off all the single workers. The Engineer returned a few days later, and not satisfied with the condition of the camp, put off six more. Two days later, a further six got marching orders. The position now is that three men are left at the camp to look after the tents etc. Of these one went for a spin on a motor cycle and met with an accident, which necessitated his retirement. The other two men are still at the camp.