RAILWAY UNDERTAKINGS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20870, 9 November 1929, Page 19

RAILWAY UNDERTAKINGS.

“CONVERTED INTO RELIEF WORKS.” GOVERNMENT’S JOLICY CRITICISED.

(Fhom Dim Pasliamentarv Reporter.) WELLINGTON, November S. ■* B it the policy of the Government to convert its railway undertakings into rejicf works? This question has been raised by a telegram the Leader of the Opposition (Mr J, G. Coates) has received from the secretary of the New Zealand Workers Union (Mr A. Cook). "Over 80 men were recently placed on the Soufli Island Mam Trunk railway construction/* said the telegram. '* We believe these men are classed as relief workers.. Railway construction has never been classed as relief work since the commencement of one agreement. Will yon kindly ascertain the position. The union strongly resents the relief system being introduced in railway construction.’' .Referring to the matter in the House of Representatives to-day. Mr Coates recalled that during the election campaign he had predicted that the position 'referred to in the telegram would be the 'inevitable result of the policy advocated by Sir Joseph "Ward. Mr Coates said his policy had always been to have such work carried out by the men trained and suitable for it._ He was totally\ opposed to the conversion of railway undertakings into relief works, and the Government should without delay remedy the position.