RELIEF WORKERS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23896, 25 August 1939, Page 13

RELIEF WORKERS

SUMMARILY DISMISSED ALLEGED GAME OF “ TWO-UP ” (Special ro Daily Times) CHRISTCHURCH, Aug. 24. Five men employed under Scheme No, 13 were summarily dismissed recently at New Brighton. A statement about their dismissal was given to a reporter by the Mayor of New Brighton (Mr E. Smith), when he was interviewed. ‘An overseer reported the men, who were sent back to the yard, which means that they'.were instantly, dismissed," said Mr Smith in reply to a question. “They were caught playing • two-up.’ So far I have' been approached by one man only and their cases will be considered at the next meeting of the Works Committee.” a The New Brighton Borough Council, the Mayor said, employed the men sent to it by the Employment Division of the Social Security Department. The council did not know anything about the men. but found them work at wages subsidised by the department. “Personally, and as Mayor. I take up the attitude that if men are eligible for relief they cannot afford to play 4 two-up,’ ’’ said Mr Smith. It is no good being taxed to provide work and going to inconvenience to administer the scheme if the men will not do a fair thing I know that the majority of the men are good types; yet there are a few who spoil it for the rest." A definite rule for action when men were caught “loafing" was laid down in a memorandum from the Minister of Labour (said the Mayor) The men had to work under award conditions. Any man who refused to carry out his duties in a prqper manner was liable to instant dismissal.