TROUBLE ON RELIEF WORKS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 12 September 1927, Page 9

TROUBLE ON RELIEF WORKS.

NUMBER OF MEN PUT OFF. (by telegraph—press association.) CAR.ERTON, Sept. 12. Men employed on redial works on the Rimutaka Hill, where they were engaged in widening the road between the foot of the hill and Feathprston, have all been "sacked” with the exception of three. It is alleged that the ganger made an attack on a little man, and the .latter’s “cobber” came to his assistance. When matters quietened down it is alleged that the men refused to work under the ganger and went on strike. The matter was reported to the Public Works Department and an officer arrived, “sacked” six men and then another six. Finally all except three were ‘sacked.” The men, it is said, total 32, and include the ganger. Consequently work on the Featherston side of the lull is at a standstill. The police and officials are reticent about the matter, but it appears that the men had been seething against the severity of the ganger, Mr P. Hannon, for some time, matters finally reaching a climax. The Public Works' Department’s engineer was advised of the position, and after inspecting the camp, advised 19 single men that, their services -were not required, alleging that the Department was putting oft all single workers. The engineer returned a few days later, and, not satisfled with conditions in the camp, put off six more. Two days later a further six got their marching orders. lhe 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. .