Co-operative Work at Ratanui. TO THE EDITOR.

Otago Witness, Issue 2106, 5 July 1894, Page 8

Co-operative Work at Ratanui. TO THE EDITOR.

Sir,— There are a few questions I should like to have answered through the medium of the Witness. (1) How long should a gang of co-operative workmen in the Government employ be kept waiting for the inspector to come and pass their work ? In the above case it is quite common for them to have to wait two weeks, and then to be sent over their job again. In common justice to settlers this is very unfair, as many of them are j^utting up with great hardships so that they may be enabled to live in a short time on the produce of their sections, but the authorities, instead of encouraging them in any way, seem to look on them as pests. (2) Does the Government when cutting down the prices of road and bush work also cut down the inspector's salary, as it is most unfair to the workers ? They have a lot of running af er their work, and often have to wait weeds for a job, and then find out that with bad weather they can hardly make tucker. The inspector's pay is regular. Wet or dry makes no difference to him ; he can and does take a holiday trip at his own discretion. Yet we are living in the clay of a " Liberal " Government ! I think the Minister for Lands would do well to give a little consideration to bush settlers when he can find the time. — I am, &c,

A Co-operative Worke&'s Wife.

The coal export from Westport last week was 6906 tons.