Burwood Relief Men Maligned, Says Federation Sec.

Northern Advocate, 12 April 1940, Page 8

Burwood Relief Men Maligned, Says Federation Sec.

t Per Press Association Copyright.] WELLINGTON, This Day. The secretary of the General Labourers’ Federation (Mr P. M. Butler), who inspected the Burwood golf course job, which was the subject of action by the Minister for Public Works (the Hon. R. Semple), recently, and met the men concerned, said that in his opinion the men had been grossly misrepresented and maligned. He was also of the opinion that all available information had not been given to Mr Semple during his visit to Burwood, which was followed by the dismissal of over 50 men. Under Public Works Agreement. Mr Butler said he was certain if the full facts had been placed before Mr Semple, a different line of action would have been taken. The work, he said, did not directly come under the jurisdiction of the Labourers’ Federation, nor was any award applicable to it. The men were paid in accordance with the Public Works agreement. However, the Labourers’ Federation and the Canterbury General Labourers’ Union, together with the men concerned, felt that a gross injustice had been perpetrated. Want Full Inquiry. Accordingly the Federation of Labour had been asked to make representation for a full inquiry to be made into the matter. The men deeply resented the imputations of loafing and indecent conduct, which were levelled against them. The Federation of Labour had made a request for an inquiry immediately after the occurrence, but were still awaiting a reply.