Contractor Replies To Board’s Criticism

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 688, 13 June 1929, Page 11

Contractor Replies To Board’s Criticism

PAPATOETOE DISPUTE WAGE BOOKS PRODUCED Allegations made at the Papatoetoe Town Board meeting on Tuesday evening, and published in THE SUN of yesterday, to the effect that the contractors for the water scheme were not using local labour were answered today by Mr. P. H. Gosse, representing the contracting firm of Gosse and Mullan. Mr. Gosse gives the other side of the story, and quotes figures in support. It was stated at the meeting on Tuesday evening that a dozen men were employed on the job at present, and all of them were outsiders. It was alleged further that the majority of them were about 20 years of age. Mr. Gosse, who naturally felt hurt at the misrepresentation of the position, produced his books to show the actual position. Thirteen men are employed oil the job of preparing for Papatoetoe’s water scheme, besides the two principals of the contracting firm. All of these men are employees who have been with the contractors for a long time in doing work at New Lynn and are classed by Air. Gosse as skilled workers —caulkers, blacksmiths and gangers.

The average age is not, as suggested by a member of the board, 20 years, but 36 years. Two lads are employed, aged 18 years and 16 years respectively, because they are assisting in the payment of rent for their parents’ farm, which is rented from one of the contractors. Among the remaining 11 men none is younger than 23, and the average age, including the boys, is 36 years.

It was further explained by Air. Gosse that the work being carried out at present was not unskilled labouring work, as alleged, but skilled work involving blasting and preparation of plant. One of the present employees is a local man, and it is the intention of the contractors —an intention already expressed to applicants on the job and by letter to the engineers—to employ all local men when the work is properly started. The work will involve from 60 to 70 men, of whom only the present gang will be outsiders. PIPES NOT ARRIVED The pipes for the mains and branches have not yet arrived, and labourers cannot be taken on until these pipes are ready for laying. First the main line will have to be laid, and as soon as Pah Road is reached a further 20 men will be taken on. These will be supplemented as the work proI ceeds until the full complement mentioned is reached.

Mr. Gosse complains that the discussion at the board meeting was brought forward without any complaint being made to the contractors, and without giving them an opportunity to explain the actual position. Air. Gosse adds that, his firm has served well the Auckland City Council, Avondale Borough Council, New Lynn Town Board, Auckland Harbour and Hospital Boards, and other local authorities. His firm pays the highest wages, and has in the past secured the services of satisfactory workmen. A reference to these previous employers, he suggests, would have set the mind of the board members at rest. “The allegations made at the board are not fair and are altogether premature,” Air. Gosse added. “We feel that the board is not treating us rightly and not giving us an opportunity of I getting on with the work in the best possible way. Discussion of this nature j merely embarrasses the contractor in ! his arduous task, and does more harm ! than good.”