Men at Work at Railway Deviation

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 143, 20 June 1938, Page 6

Men at Work at Railway Deviation

OTHERS TO GO TREE-PLANTING Work at the Milson railway doviation was definitely recommoncod last week, there being over 40 men on the job. In connection therewith Mr. J. Hodgenfc, M.P., has been active, following the Prime Minister’s promise to get things under way again. Early last we6k he was in touch with the district engineer of tho Public Works Department, Mr. A. R. Acheson, asking him if he had received instructions from Wellington to put men on as the Prime Minister had said he would, and when Mr. Acheson replied that his last advice was dated three weeks previous, Mr. Hoddens immediately got in touch with the Prime Minister pointing out that, according to local advico, there would not bo more than 30 men engaged in 14 days’ time. The reply of Mr. Savage was that a better effort would bo made immediately, and on Friday Mr. Hodgens was informed that 40 men had been placed oh the doviation during the week. Mr. Hodgons was also able to clear up a little difficulty in tho matter of pay for the men. It was represented to him that theso men, who had been on sustenance, received their last moneys on June 10 and now that they were on public works, would not be paid again till June 23 which would be a hardship especially for tho married men. The matter was referred to the Minister of Public Works, Hon. R. Semple, who has sinco given instructions ror a progress payment to be made. During the week 39 men have also been placed on other work in the city and district, leaving on the sustenance register 17 fit single men and 08 lit married men. Next week the 17 single men will be given afforestation work in another locality. of the 08 married men, by the undertaking given by the Mayor (Mr. A. E. Mansford) to lion. P. C. Webb, 25 will be absorbed in jobs about the city.