EMPLOYING GERMANS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume XVI, Issue 1525, 26 May 1921, Page 5

EMPLOYING GERMANS.

“GIVE OUR MEN PREFERENCE.” DISCUSSION AT AWAKINO COUNCIL. “ I think we have no right to employ men on the roads who were interned during the war,” said Cr Olds, at the meeting of the Awakino County Council at Pio Pio yesterday. Cr Olds complained about a surfaceman who was working regularly in one of the ridings of the council, and who had been interned during the war. Cr Leech .said that the man referred to worked in his riding, and he thought that there were special circumstances that justified their keeping him on. It was true that he was a German, but he had lived in the district about 25 years, and was an industrious and conscientious workman. He was >,interned after the outbreak of hostilities, but shortly after two councillors went guarantee for hirri, and he was released. He was a really good workman, and the speaker would be very sorry if he were discharged. At the same time, he would be strongly opposed to the employment of other interned men, especially before Britishers. In the present case, however, the council had taken this man on some time ago, and so long as he did his work faithfully and well, the speaker thought the council was under an obligation to continue to employ him.

Cr Olds: I have a strong objection to the council employing interned men before our own men, especially if they are returned .soldiers.

Cr Leech: I agree with you that our own men should have preference. Of course, you may put on a man who has never been interned, and yet be glad to get rid of him. The Chairman (Cr Thoms): I think it is the general view of the council that in future no mep who have been interned should be employed. Cr Olds: Anyhow, T move to that effect, Mr Chairman. The Chairman: Then I take it, Cr Olds, that you want this man put off. Cr Olds: Yes, if we can get one of our own men to do the same work. Cr Lake: 1 suppose the matter will be left in the hands of the engineer. Cr Olds: Yes, it will be better to leave it to his discretion. When money i.s scarce and labour plentiful we must look after our own. The County Clerk: Do you wish to exclude men of other nationalties? Cr Olds: Yes, so far as givingpreference to our own is concerned. The motion was then seconded by Cr Bell and carried.