Winter Work.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5326, 2 August 1895, Page 3

Winter Work.

The members of the committee of the Winter Work fund appear to have been rather unnecessarily exercised at their meeting on Tuesday by a paragraph which appeared in the last number of the Labour Journal. This paragraph, which was written on July 5, stated that about three hundred men were employed by the local bodies in this district, and the committee, assuming that it referred to a later period — when a much larger number of men were employed —proceeded to condemn the Labour Journal, the Labour Bureau, the labour agent and all their works. The Mayor of Woolston called the attention of the Premier, in a formal motion, to the " incorrect report," and the Mayor of Chrisfcchurch has since emphasised the matter by addressing an official letter to Mr Seddon on the subject. Of course both theßO gentlemen are impelled by the very highest motives, but if they had taken the trouble to make a few Bimple inquiries, they would have discovered that Mr Lomas'a report referred to the early part of last month, and was substantially correct. The labour agent writes to the editor of this journal i— Sir,— Froui the report of the Winter Work Fund Committee, it appears that they make out that my report in the Labour Journal fGr this month is incorrect, and that telegrams have been sent to that effect to the Premier and to membera for this district. My report was dated July 5, and the numberß of the workers I now encloae are taken from the pay-sheet for the week ending July 6, 1895, furnished by the Secretary of the Charitable Aid Board, and as I got my information on or about July 2, 1 think that it may be accepted as substantially correct. I understand that the Heathcote Road Board had not then joined with the other local bodies in this work, and if we deduct its workmen, 27, from the total of 326, we hava a balance of 299, which is very near my estimate of 300.— Tours faithfully, John Lomas. Tho list supplied to Mr Lomaa by the Charitable Aid Board gives the following particulars of men employed by the various local bodieß : — Chriatchurch Council 129, Sydenham Council 57, St Albans Council 24, Linwood Council 24, Woolsfcon Council 15, Avon Boad Board 50, Heathcote Road Board 27; total, 326. It is evident that the labour agent has been, in this instance, unjuetly aspersed, and we are sure that the members of the committee will frankly acknowledge their error.