THE OTIRA TUNNEL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXX, Issue 14977, 24 April 1909, Page 11

THE OTIRA TUNNEL.

THE EXERTION WAGE. [Pew Press Association.] WELLINGTON, April 23. A letter from the Premier in reference to a resolution passed by tho Council in regard to the exertion wage on tho Otira tunnel contract was read at the Trades and Labour Council meeting last night. The Minister said that there was no intention on the part of the Public Works Department to interfere in a matter between tho contractors and their employees so long as the contractors paid tho Arbitration Court award wages. It was incumbent upon the Labour Department to see that such wages were actually paid as they rolated to future contracts. The decision come to in the matter was arrived at only alter it had been very fully considered. Tne president of the Counpil described the reply as " another shuffle." After discussion the following resolution was carried:—"That this Council dissatisfaction with the com-

munication from the Prime Minister with respect to the matter of the exertion wage, and considers that the Government should stipulate in all contracts that no exertion wa.ge whatever shall be permitted." ,