THE GISBORNE RAILWAY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21258, 12 February 1931, Page 12

THE GISBORNE RAILWAY.

’ STOPPAGE OF WORK. PLIGHT OF THE UNEMPLOYED. (Per United Press Association.) GISBORNE, February 11. Single men in the railway camp in Kopuawhara Valley at the Waikokopu end of the Gisborne railway route, where they have remained since the cessation of work on the line, have now reached the end of their resources, and will have to depart elsewhere for food if for nothing else. According to information received in Gisborne to-day it is probable that the Kopuawhara men will arrive here in the course of the next few days. If this occurs it means that Gisborne’s unemployed ranks will be increased by over 100 men from Kopuawhara, and probably a further 50 or CO moil will be picked up at Bartlctts on the way into Gisborne. The town has already had many calls for assistance to the earthquake sufferers, and it is obvious that the arrival of a further 150 or ICO men, all practically destitute, will mean a greatly augmented burden on the community in Gisborne. Hearing of the impending trek the Chamber of Commerce despatched the following message to the Prime Minister (Mr G. W. Forbes): “One hundred men have been discharged from Waikokopu and are coming to Gisborne, Local organisation cannot assist them, being busy with earthquake relief., The Chamber of Commerce suggests a continuance of the work at Waikokopu or finding work elsewhere.”