SUBSIDISED RELIEF

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22465, 8 July 1936, Page 14

SUBSIDISED RELIEF

DISMISSAL OF 14 MEN SITUATION AT ELLERSLIE A decision to dispense with 14 men on subsidised relief work, pending the authorisation of similar schemes by the Labour Department, was reached by the Ellerslie Town Board last night. The foreman, Mr. W. J. Shiels, reported that the list of authorised works was practically completed and he would be unable to provide work for the full 20 men engaged on subsidised wages after this week. The clerk, Mr. J W. Carr, said the department's authority had been requested to commence the permanent formation, kerbing, channelling, metalling and tar-sealing of portions of Te Marama Avenue, Newhaven Street and Glasgow Road at an approximate cost of £6OO. The department had been advised that unless tho subsidy on wages was received the work could only be carried out by means of raising loans, which was not contemplated by tho board. It was decided to retain only six men on the subsidised work in the meantime and to empower the committee to re-engage any men should additional schemes bo authorised. POSITION AT STRATFORD PETITION TO MINISTER [BY TELEGRAPH —I'll ESS ASSOCIATION] STRATFORD, Tuesday The dismissal of 50 men from the Stratford aerodrome work yesterday resulted in nearly 200 men being on sustenance. The workers, who alleged that, in spite of promises, no new public works had boon begun for six months, petitioned the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. It. Semple, for a personal investigation, saying they appreciated tho Government's relief measures and did not want charity. The position was relieved this morning by tho Borough Council's employment of 50 men in levelling King Edward Park. The district public works officials said the men could work at the aerodrome if the weather allowed and if they were prepared to put up with the consequent difficulty, although tho department preferred to hold the work over until the spring.