STEWART ISLAND

Southland Times, Issue 23308, 18 September 1937, Page 21

STEWART ISLAND

SEAMEN’S UNION

The local branch of the Federated Seamen’s Union of New Zealand held a meeting recently to discuss various matters about relief works. The secretary, Mr W. Bailey,, presided and read several letters from Mr Walsh, the New Zealand secretary of the union. Mr Bailey had written asking that instead of No. 5 Scheme being used this year the men be employed on public works and that suitable works be started on Stewart Island. Mr Walsh replied advising that if the local men could suggest suitable works to be carried out by the Public Works Department which would, when completed, be revenue producing then it seemed certain that such works would be begun. So far the suggestions forwarded are that the road to Mason s Bay be constructed and that a saw mill _ be started to obviate, the necessity of importing all the timber required on Stewart Island. The saw mill would be revenue producing and the proposal is to be placed before the Minister. About the Mason’s Bay road Mr Walsh replied as follows:— The permanent officers of the Public Works Department have put in an adverse report to the Minister about the expenditure of money on this road. However. I will bring the matter before him again and will do my best to get him to agree to at least some of your proposals.” Mr Bailey said that was how the matter stood at present and in the meantime the No. 5 Scheme would be put into operation. At the close of the meeting Mr G. Turner, chairman of the Stewart Island County Council, addressed the men pointing out the council’s attitude towards the No. 5 Scheme and uiging that an effort be made to finish off a suitable playing area at the park. Mr T. Bragg also spoke about the work done in the past under the scheme. WORK BEGUN As this year’s fishing season has been so bad the No. 5 Scheme was put into operation when some 40 men started work. This year all the men have been put on to levelling and forming a football field in Traill Park.