CITY COUNCIL METHODS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 5678, 28 August 1905, Page 2

CITY COUNCIL METHODS.

(To the Editor “N.Z. Times.”) Sir, —A local appears in your issue of; this morning, stating, that ‘‘the ■Farriers’ and Blacksmiths’ Union recently made a request to the City Council fo, the dismissal of a blacksmith who was alleged to be unqualified.” As this statement is absolutely incorrect, and is calculated to cast odium on the union, I trust you will favour me with sufficient space to "briefly state the facta of. the case. Information was put before the union at its last meeting to the effect that the City Council had more work at its yards than one tamer could perform, but that it was doubtful if there was Sufficient work to keep a farrier, a floorman, and A "striker” employed. The meeting considered that there was ample work for a farrier and a floorman, if the ser.lces of a “striker” were .dispensed with, the floorman to do the striking. A request was, therefore, sent to the City Council, asking it to receive a deputation, which wished to bring tho matter before it. A reply Was received by the union, stating that the Council was inquiring into the matter. Its inquiries, however, did not go to the extent of asking tho union to supply the information it had in'its possession. The information would have disclosed the fact that the “striker” employed by the Council was an engine-driver by trade, and was being paid Ds per day for doing work which is performed by youths for private pmoloyors at (rom 15s t0.25s per week.. There is .also tlrs drawback to a "striker” —he is classed as an unskilled worker by the Arbitration Court, and is not supposed to interfere with horses in any way. The union could have supplied a qualified tradesman at 8s 6d pet day to take the place of an Unskilled worker at 9; per day. but this is opposed to the Council’s business methods. For the reason given above, the un'on does not for one minute dispute the City Engineer’s finding. viz., "that the man was quite competent to do the work he was engaged on,” but is at the same time of opinion that a qualified tradesman should fill the position of assistant to a farrier.— I am, etc., ... R. E. VANEY, Sec Farriers' and Blacksmiths’ Union. August 25th.