“STUFF AND NONSENSE”

Northern Advocate, 4 October 1930, Page 5

“STUFF AND NONSENSE”

IMPORTATION OP LABOUR

A RUMOUR. BENT Lit

Truly, Dame Rumour appears tc have beaten all her own previous records.

Armed with some knowledge of tho shadowy farts contained in a rumour to the effect that Alessrs Cadbury, Fry, Hudson, Ltd., -were about to import factory labour from the Old Country, Mr Goo. Sara, a director of the company, was interviewed by the Press with the object of verifying cr obtaining the denial of the statements included in the current stories.

Air Sara’s denial was given in a manner as emphatic as was possible. He said that in the early days of the rumour he was inclined to treat the whole thing as a huge joke, the more so because of the fantastic tales that were woven around the main theme. However, as tho weeks went by, and still the story grew, it was deemed advisable that tho firm should post notices denying the matter in different parts of the factory. This had been done.

“It is all stuff and nonsense,” stated Mr Sara. “Why, one of the strongest objects in coming here and associating with a local firm was to have the assurance that plenty of skilled labour would be available. It has never been in our minds to import labour from tho Old Country, and we hops to do all "we can to absorb workers in New Zealand.” “I don’t know how the yarns started,” continued Mr Sara, with a smile, “but all I can say is that somebody with a sense of humour has been taking a hand in nourishing it. During the last week or so the number of families wc were to bring out from Bournvillo increased from 50 to 200. If by any chance there is a 'rumourbuilding competition afoot we certainly do not mind taking part in that way.”