PUBLIC WORKS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23205, 1 June 1937, Page 10

PUBLIC WORKS

large schemes ending FURTHER UNDERTAKINGS AN EARLY ANNOUNCEMENT Within two months many of the major public works which have absorbed so many of the Dominion’s outdoor workers will be finished, and (says the Standard, the official organ of the Labour movement) between 2000 and 5000 men are likely to be affected The problem of finding other work for the men who will be released is receiving the attention of the Minister of Public Works (Mr R, Semple), and it is suggested that the Mniister’s recent tour through various parts of the country was made principally to look into a number of projects which might be started. “ Since the advent of the Labour Government,” says the Standard, “over 18,000 men have found employment on public works —building railways, making roads, levelling areas for aerodromes, and so on. Most of the aerodrome jobs are now either finished or nearly finished and on the Gisborne (east coast) railway most of the formation work has now been completed, and the services of some of the men will be dispensed with. “ The Minister has repeatedly declared his intention of endeavouring to keep together the fine body of experienced Public Works men which has been built up since the Labour Administration came into power. The Minister, it is understood, is now putting the finishing touches on a plan which will result in the provision of further work for those men who have already given such splendid service to the community. As a result, further necessary public works wjll probably be put in hand at an early date.” An announcement of the Government’s intentions is expected when the Minister returns to Wellington this week.