WAITAKI HYDRO WORKS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19570, 17 August 1933, Page 7

WAITAKI HYDRO WORKS.

To the Editor of ' The Timaru Herald ” Sir, —Many members of the unemployed have been sent to the Waitaki hydro works, under what in my opinion has been a wrong impression of the rates of pay and conditions prevailing there. I know of cases where men have been sent from Dunedin, and elsewhere, under the impression that they were to receive £3 a week clear, on which they have to keep two homes, but they now find that they have to do exceedingly dangerous work, for a much less sum, providing, of course, that there is no lost time through rain, etc. This together with the fact that the majority have to do their work during the night, and are exposed to the severe weather conditions, makes their lot an unenviable one. Many cannot leave because they have not the money to pay their fares back to their homes, more especially those who have been lured to these works from the North Island. Last Thursday two men who had to work in a dangerous place lost their lives because someone gave orders to cut a rail which held a block of concrete under which the men had to work. In this case, it is alleged that no warning was given. Again about two months ago a young man employed on the bridge fell into the river, and as there were no safety appliances, safety ropes or a life belt near, or a boat on the river he was drowned. At the inquest, the jury brought in a rider to the effect that no care was taken to protect the men. I think, sir, an inquiry into the circumstances and conditions is necessary and only fair. I hope a more able pen will take this matter up because many of the men employed on these works showed their worth during the War. —I am, etc., ‘ JUSTICE. Hakataramea, August 14.