OUT OF A JOB

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 628, 3 April 1929, Page 11

OUT OF A JOB

ARAPUNI DISPLACES 46 MEN POWER BOARD CUT About 46 men will be out of a Job as soon as the delivery of power from Arapuni is completed. This Information Is conveyed In a report to the Auckland Electric-Power Board by the general manager, Mr R. H. Bartley. The board has been advised that 15,000 kilowatts from the first generating set at Arapuni will be available next month, and it will mean that half the steam plant will be closed down. This will mean a reduction of 33 in the present staff. When delivery of power is completed, 46 men will be out of a job. As far as possible those men are being kept on whose length of service and merit give them first considers tlon. The majority of those affected are general labourers, whose numbers vary from week to week. A recommendation is to be considered on Monday that all the staff affected should be notified of the alterations necessary and given the opportunity to secure other work if possible. Their positions could be filled by those who are down for the earliest cut. It is hoped that by recommending them for position with the board and with outside firms that the change-over will be made as light as possible. Practically all the men taken on since 1923 were advised of the position that would arise, but told it couid not be helped If the benefits of waterpower were to be gained.