CATLINS RAILWAY WORKS

Otago Witness, 14 December 1893, Page 36

CATLINS RAILWAY WORKS

The following telegrams have passed between Mr T. Mackenzie, M.H.R. and the Premier :—

You may recollect my telling you about three men being sent from Dunedin to railway at Catlins, and you expressed your disapproval of the action as contrary to your desire and word. Yesterday I was informed that three others had been sent down. There is a most uneasy feeling at Catlins in consequence — men depending upon the promise being fulfilled that they would s;et the first chance when room was available. 1 feel sure that you will do justice to the men resident there when I bring the matter under your notice. Something 1 ke 70 men are out of work it CatlinF, and it is reported that 20 men are to be sent down to road woiks from Dunedin. Please issue instructions that no men are to be sent until men in locality are absorbed.— T. Mackenzie.

Your telegram calling attention to men being sent from Dunedin whilst there are men out of employment in the Catlins district to hand. I have given instiuctions that no men are to be sent until matter inquired into, and instructions regulating co-operative work as to local men having priority to be strictly adhered to.— ll. J. Seddon.

Thanks for prompt and pleasing action re outside workers. Have recently visited Catlins. Appears now ample room for more men on railway works. Men still Waiting for work. Kindly authorise engineers to take on men now who have been patienty awaiting as opportunity for woik on railways. — T. Mackenzie.

Your telegram advising more men to be put on the railway works received. Have referred it to engineer fou report thereon.— R. J. Seddon.