ROADSIDE GRASS

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXVI, Issue 142, 1 June 1936, Page 8

ROADSIDE GRASS

Labour Executive Objects To Contract LETTER TO THE COUNCIL At a meeting ot the executive of the Hastings branch ot the New Zealand Labour Party, it was decided to send the following letter to the Mayor and Borough Councillors of Hastings, and also copies to the local newspapers with a request for publication:— , To tho Mayor and Borough Councillors, Hastings. Dear Sirs, —We, the executive members ot the Hastings branch of the New Zealand Labour Party, have been instructed to ascertain whether or not the circulated statements regarding the following contract are correct. Firstly it appears that Mr. W. C. Sanders has signed a contract with the Hastings Borough Council for a period of one year, with a right of renewal for a similar period for four years. Under this contract Mr. Sanders is responsible foi mowing the grass alongside the streets and lootpaths of the borough, estimated at about ISO imies. Secoudh, several men have been dismissed. some two weeks earlier than would have been the case had the council not decided tc let this work by contract.

Further, we are given to understand that the contractor was not a resident of this town and it is manifest that no opportunity was given to those interested to become participants in the tender. As the price agreed between the council and the contractor is in the vicinity of £720 per annum, we would point out that this amount would keep six men fully employed for approximately six months at a weekly wage of £4 15/-. and at the same time me borough-owned necessary machinery would riot lie idle and useless, as must be the case under the published new scheme.

We would also lie obliged if you cv.ld enlighten us to what extent the council proposes to assist the contractor.

If our information is correct we most em-jhatieally protest against such administration for the following reasons; 1. We feel sure that the ratepayers, in the majority o fcases, would prefer local body expenditure to be more equitably distributed amongst their own community. 2. Whilst there is always a greater demand upon the unemployment authorities during the winter months, we are of the opinion that our local governing bodies should make every effort to assist in the full time employment of our people. m»ny of whom will be confronted with the misery of unemployment if the present policy of the council is continued.—Yours faithfully. For and on behalf of the Executive, ■l. ALLISON, Chairman. E. LATTON, Secretary.