OTAKI UNEMPLOYED.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 23 November 1931, Page 8

OTAKI UNEMPLOYED.

IMPROVEMENTS WANTED. At the adjourned meeting of the Otaki Borough Council on Monday afternoon it was mentioned that the cost of cartage of metal has been considerable, some £317 being paid up to the end of October. It was suggested that work on the road be curtailed, but after consideration it was decided to leave the matter in the hands of the Works Committee. It was considered that too much metal had been put on in some places. Attention was also drawn to the bitumen surface in Main Street which needed attention. Objection was taken by Cr. Richards to men not being put on to carry out certain works after instructions had been given by the Works Committee. It was pointed out that less than half the men offering last week were not now available. It was hoped, however, that men would soon be found for creek cleaning. Notice boards at the Otaki beach were also waiting to be erected. It was agreed that notices be placed on the ladies ' and men's bathing sheds respectively. Cr. Cockrell drew attention to a hole in the road near the Otaki Dairy Co. 's premises and suggested it be attended to at once. —Referred to the foreman for immediate attention. Alleged ‘ ‘ Slackers. ’ ’ Cr. Richards raised the question of men being penalised by being put off the relief works, and pointed out that one had a wife and six children to maintain, another four children. He pointed out that the men had been put off for alleged slacking, but one man possessed a letter signed by eight of his work-mates stating that he had done his work satisfactorily. Personally, he had no time for slackers, but he would like to see the matter reconsidered and the men given another chance. He moved accordingly, and was supported by Cr. McGill, who seconded the motion. Cr. McGill considered that the Unemployment Committee had been too drastic, and thought the terms of suspension should be considerably reduced. The terms inflicted, he considered, too severe. , , , Cr. Richards stated that he had been told that one was a good worker, and in view of reports he would like the matter re-considered. The Mayor supported the motion, but pointed out that the Committee was in an invidious position. They had listened to the complaints, knew of the unpleasant task, knew of the dependants, and the foreman’s action. Complaints had been received that the men had not been working, which some **»f the workmen resented. Strong exception had been taken to Cr. Richlards' recent remarks. The Mayor stated that the foreman had a difficult task and considered that if the Works Committee would assist the Unemployment Committee the latter would be grateful. The foreman was doing his duty and the Committee felt that they must uphold him. The Committee may have been harsh and he was prepared to reconsider the matter. Some men, he considered, were doing very good work and such work was appreciated. Cr. Smith said the Unemployment Committee had considered the matter before acting; he did not see that the Council could do anything. Cr. McGill said that he was a memher of the Unemployment Committee and felt that their action had been too drastic. For a first offender to be stood down for a month was too severe Cr. Richards said that he desired the matter to be reconsidered. The Clerk pointed out that it had been said that men were not doing their work and the men in consequence were warned. Some were doing splen did work, and those who failed cast a reflection on others. Cr. McGill stated that the men mayhave slacked, but they had lesson, besides they had to think ot their wives and families. The Mayor suggested that the m ter be brought up at the next Unem nloyment Committee meeting. Cr Smith moved in this direction, but Cr. Richards asked that the sentences be reduced to one week. Cr. McGill suggested a penaity ot one week on the two first offenders, a two weeks on the other offender it was agreed that the matter bright before the Unemployment Committee for further consideration.