FLAXMILL EMPLOYEES AND CHARITABLE AID.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3830, 11 August 1928, Page 2

FLAXMILL EMPLOYEES AND CHARITABLE AID.

HOSPITAL BOARD DISCUSSES POSITION. At Thursday’s meeting of the Palmerston North Hospital Board, Mr. J. K. Hornblow, of Foxton, raised the question of charitable aid to the dependants of flax-mill hands at present out of work owing to the dead-lock existing between the mill employees and the owners. Mr. Hornblow stressed the serious nature of the position, and stated that he had received requests for assistance from distressed families. “What is this Board to do,” said Mr. Hornblow. “There is work in Foxton but the men cannot take it. The mill-owners are prepared to start the mills provided the men take a reduction of 10 per cent, in wages on the award rates. Ido not wish to bring a political issue into this meeting but it concerns this Board. When the award was made, the wages were fixed on what was considered a fair market price for hemp. (But now the price has gone down so far that it was impossible for the mill-owners to pay these award wages. Even so, the owners were prepared to take the risk and start the mills going in order to keep their plant from deteriorating and so on. They are prepared to do this and offer a wage of 13/6 a day but the employees’ union will not allow them to accept anything less than the award rate.

“Now these men can get 12/6 a day on Government relief work and 10/- a day for casual jobs. Many of them are - prepared to work for 13/6 but the Union says that they are not to accept it. Is this Board to give these people charitable relief —men willing to work, but who cannot to so? What can Ave do? We cannot turn them aAvay yet there is Avorlc for them at 13/6 a day, one shilling more than on Government relief work.

Speaking at Auckland recently to a deputation of unemployed Mr. Coates had said: ‘Go to the Charitable Aid Boards, go to the Hospital Boards.’ That is Avhat they are going to do.”

“We cannot visit the sins—or the troubles —of the fathers upon the children, Mr. HornbloAV,” said Sir James Wilson chairman of the Board. “The English railways have had to face the same position; the oAvners had to make a reduction in wages and the employees met under Mr. Thomas and accepted the terms.

“It is a very sad thing that there should be such distress in the district, The children must be considered — Ave must feed, them and for that, this relief is necessary.” The managing secretary of the Board, Mr. A. J. Phillipps, pointed out that the Charitable Aid Officer, Mr. F. Aisher, at present Avorked on the policy of not helping any able bodied man avlio Avas out of Avork. If the Board assisted the flax-mill-ers it Avould mean that it Avould be departing from its policy. “The flaxmill employees’ Union dominates the position,” said Mr. HornbloAV. If Ave give out that Ave cannot refuse assistance, we will help the Union to maintain that position; but Ave cannot refuse assistance.” “I do not think it is right that other people should be called upon to support the children Avhile the Union stores up money for its “fighting fund” as they call it. Let them use that money to help the Avomen and children,” said Mr. M. A. Moody. The discussion rested Avith the chairman’s assurance that for the sake of the Avomen and children charitable aid Avould be extended, the Board confirming Mr. Horn•bloAv’s action in extending relief in cases of distress.