No Outsiders Need Apply

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 662, 14 May 1929, Page 1

No Outsiders Need Apply

TRAMWAY WORKS BOARD’S POLICY In view of the large number of applications for employment in connection with the pending tramway extensions the chairman of the Transport Board, Mr. J. A. C. Allum, recommended at this morning’s meeting of the board that applicants should be required to supply detailed information about themselves before their cases could be considered. Mr. Allum proposed that a worker should state his place of residence, whether he was married or single and the number of his dependents. “Such questions would not be asked at ordinary times but in the present circumstances the information will assist the management to engage those most in need of the work. This recommendation is not to be taken as any indication that men shall be employed merely because of their obligations, but that such obligations will be taken into consideration/’ said the chairman. “I would like to point out an omission,” said Mr. A. J. Entrican. “Jt would be advisable that a fourth question be asked the men and that is the length of time of residence in the board’s district.” Mr. Entrican said he had heard that a number of unemployed from Sydney were coming over to inspect the possibilities of finding work on the extensions. Mr. E. J. Phelan: That is so.

Mr. Phelan was of opinion that on no account should work be given men who had not resided in the board’3 area less than three months before the poll. “I know it is fairly hard to make that requirement but we must protect men who have had nothing to do for many months and many of whom are ratepayers.” Mr. Allum added that it should be known that anybody coming to Auckland with the idea of participation in the projected works would certainly have made the journey for nothing. Mr.. M. J. Coyle: We should also make it clear that nobody is going to be allowed to throw up a job to take one with the tramways. The recommendations were adopted after amendment as suggested.