THE STOPPAGE OF PUBLIC WORKS.

Timaru Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 11670, 1 February 1902, Page 3

THE STOPPAGE OF PUBLIC WORKS.

Per Press Association. AUCKLAND. January 51. A Tsitsr has been received by the Chambar of Commerce from the Premier, in answer to the requisition of the Chamber j-EKrciEg the dismissal of men from the railway works having forced some traders into the lini-rruptcy Court. The Premier pointed out- that when a contractor employed men by the day or the week, he did not study the interests of the traders or storekeepers in the vicinity of the work, and in the cass of co-operative works, the Government were in exactly the same position as a private coEtractcr. who employed men when they were required and dismissed them when necessary. He considered it quite a new doctrine thr.t the interests of traders were to be studied as a factor in public works. He would respectfully suggest that the Chamber had overlooked the fact that the losses in question were included in the risks of trade. The Government had paid the men, and concluded that they would settle with the storekeepers, and if they had not. done so it was surely too mrich to blame the Government, for the nonpayment of debts between private persons.

The letter was received, the chairman remarking that it showed the necessity of being careful as to what kind of letters they sent°the Premier.

In reply to a question as to how long the present stoppage of public works will continue, the Premier said—"Under the Public Revenues Act, after the 31st of March we can spend for the next three months on the same basis as last year, so there is a prospect that work will "be resumed after the 31st of March, should circumstances warrant such a course.