SUSPENSION of RAILWAY WORKS

Marlborough Express, Volume VII, Issue 421, 14 August 1872, Page 2

SUSPENSION of RAILWAY WORKS

PANIC IN PICTON.

Whilb in Picton on Saturday last, we found the Railway Works suspended, and the men knocked oft work and rations, the result we were informed of the introduction of what is known as “ the Government stroke,” to an extent which was utterly incompatible with the fair interests of the employer.. Consequently, upon the arrival of Mr Gwynneth, 0.E., the day work system was abandoned, and as we were informed, small contracts were to be given to the men in lieu, on the Monday. Here our own information ends, but from a telegram received in town to-day at noon, it would seem that work has not been resumed, and in consequence a regular panic has set in. A. meeting of the townspeople has been held, and a committee appointed by it has sent for the Provincial Secretary, to devise means with him for the temporary maintenance of the unemployed men; until a deputation can be sent to Wellington, to see Mr Brogden and his Honor the Superintendent. Of course there are two sides to the question, and we shall avoid expressing any opinion until we hear what has beendone at the meeting. It will then be seen whether the charge of insufficient work is maintained, but whe-

tber or not the case is becoming a serious one for all parties, and demands investigation at least. We understand that Mr Eyes will leave for Picton either to-night or early to-morrow morning.