RELIEF WORKERS

Grey River Argus, 22 September 1932, Page 5

RELIEF WORKERS

False Accusation (Per Pres s ’ Association). AUCKLAND. September 21. Relief workers at Manurewa, indig nantly deny the allegations of “loafing” (telegraphed yesterday). Their spokesman said it was ridiculous to say there was an organised movement to loaf. If some took frequent short spells, it was because they wer e not hardened to manual work. A large percentage of the men walked five miles to the job, and five miles back, and this affected their vigour. It was also stated they were not obtaining sufficient rations to maintain the stamina for hard work. ’There had been considerable dissatisfaction owing to the new conditions under which married men with three children received £2 10s for five days, in stead of four days, and every fourth week was a stand-dow n week. The allegation that tools were destroyed, was very unjust. The breakages were accidental due to th e poor tools being used on tough scrub, gorse, and kan garoo acacia. Another man said that the majority of the workers were County ratepayers, and would not think of destroying their own p'roperty, PALMERSTON N., September’ 21. Arrested yesterday. John Harvey Blair, who is not a relief worker, appeared before Mr Stout, S.M. to-day. on four charges that with a view to compelling several relief workers to abstain from doing a certain act. wh : ch they had a legal right to do, did wrongfully and without legal author ity, watch or beset a place where relief workers happened to be. A.ccused pleaded not gfi-ty. and asked for an adjournment in ord°r to P’cpare his defend An adjournment was granted till Friday, accused being allowed bail self £lOO. and two sureties £5O each, conditional that he refrain from activities among the unemployed. The case is a sequel to the strike among a scct on of the relief workers, wh’ch is now dying out, nearly all beI mg back at work.