MAIN TRUNK RAILWAY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13279, 11 September 1906, Page 6

MAIN TRUNK RAILWAY.

A COMPLAINT BY NAVVIES.

Two navvies called at the Herald Office yesterday afternoon and complained that they had been told by the officials of the Labour Department that they would have to. wait until all other applicants for work oh the Main Trunk line had been provided forThey said they were New Zealanders and that one had been on the Main Trunk line for 2£ years while the other had been there nine months. They took exception, to the New Zealander having to wait until "new chums" had been found work.

In consequence of this complaint Mr. Ferguson,' of trio Labour Department, was seen by a reporter. That gentleman explained that the two men in question had left the wonk a week ago. "We object," said Mi - . Ferguson, to carrying men backwards and forwards tip and down the line." " But," remarked the reporter, " after working 2| years a man might consider he is entitled to a week's holiday." " When men leave their work to come to town," said the inspector, " ;.t disorganises the gangs, and other men have to replace them. The Public Works officials object to this. If they choose to come to. town, and as it sometimes happens for a spree, they have to wait their turn." "Mind," added Mr. Ferguson, "if a man has a feasible excuse for leaving his work, say on account of sickness, or in the case of a married man with a family, it is different, and provision is made for this." ' ' '* Is the New Zealander given preference on the works?" .'' "The only preference that is given in New Zealand is to the most deserving persons."