WORK ENDING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23130, 31 August 1938, Page 14

WORK ENDING

CITY COUNCIL MEN

NON-PERMANENT STAFF REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER EXHAUSTING LOAN MONEY As funds arc absorbed and the jobs finished, men employed by the City Council on non-permanent street improvement works, under subsidy on loan moneys raised about three years ago, arc being put off. Most of tho works in tho Avondale district having been completed, 78 men were signed off last week, leaving about GOO still engaged, mainly in the Tnmaki district. Tho services of a few more men may have to be dispensed with in about two months, and it is expected that tho Tamaki undertakings will bo completed toward tho end of tho year. "There is nothing sinister in the men being put off," said Mr. J. A. C. Alltim, chairman of the Works Committee, last night. "They are not being put off as tho result of any policy of tho council, but only because there is no more work or money to employ them. Tho permanent staff is not affected, but only tho,so men who have been working 011 loan and subsidised works. There arc still many jobs in hand, and I only hope operations will last a long timo." It was explained by Mr. J. Tyler, tho city engineer, last night, that unless further loan moneys were made available the workers concerned could not be retained indefinitely. In order to relieve the position regarding works, about four months ago, a largo number of extra 111011 were engaged, and from that timo up until last week approximately 700 men had been employed on street improvements. A number of jobs were gradually being completed, and accordingly the men were not required, Mr. Tyler added.