RIVER BOARD

Hokitika Guardian, 11 March 1938, Page 6

RIVER BOARD

AIAY HAVE TO CLOSE WORKia.

(Per Press Association —Copyright). HASTINGS, Alarch 10. There is a strong possibility of the Hawke’s Bay River Board’s works closing down, indicated. the Chairman, 'VMr' *G. TAiSjseii, commeutipg biil tlie 'decision of the men to endorse the Hawke’s Bay General Labourers’ Union’s and Drivers’ Union’s appeal against the decision of .Mr J. Miller, S.M., - atrNapier, in giving judgment for the • Board,’. which was dln|rged by the ’Unions with breaches of the ‘Hawke’s Bay Rivers’ Board Labourers’ Industrial Agreement- and the Local Bodies’ Divcers’ Award. ') The men’s decision to support the Unions was made at a meeting at Hastings on Wednesday, ..when it was; agreed not to sign further contracts; tiff the Union’s Executive endorsed the conditions. The men’s attitude was that they were' not prepared to enter into a* contract which ungnt mean the loss of award wages, or conditions. Air Lassen commented that the Boarj may be reluctantly compelled: to dose down the works if the men 1 insist -cm the payment of overtime meanwhile, pending the Arbitration' Court-hearing, and ii they refuse to! sigii'j.ihe contracts. SVOKKS CLOSED DOWN. napier, Alarch 11. The Hawke’s Bay Rivers Board has closed down the Ngaruroro River control scheme, “Owing to the impossible situation which has arisen as the result of the attitude of the Labourers’ and Drivers’ Unions, as a result pf the decision of the Court.” The Magistrate, Air Aliller recently gave a decision favouring The Board in an.action brought by the two. Unions, alleging breaches of ..agreement. The Unions had given notice of their intention to. appeal, apd claim travelling' .allowances, etc., in. the meantime which the. Board was unable to pay.