COOKHOUSE MANAGERS REQUIRE GUARANTEE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19271, 7 January 1931, Page 8

COOKHOUSE MANAGERS REQUIRE GUARANTEE.

CRITICAL SITUATION DEVELOPING AT CAMPS. Per Press Association. GISBORNE, January 7. A critical situation is developing at the camps along the railway route between Gisborne and Waikokopu, where practically all the men have returned from their holidays, hoping to recommence work. A difficulty has arisen over the catering arrangements, as the caterers are not prepared to assume further commitments in addition to those already accumulated. Many men owe money to the cookhouse managers, and the latter refuse to re-open the cookhouses without some guarantee of pa3 r ment for past meals, as well as for immediate requirements. The managers are nominated by the union, and it is understood 'that the Department refused to guarantee what is required It is reported that fifty men in Tikiwhata camp are without food pending the re-opening of the cookhouse, and conditions in other camps, though not so bad, are serious. The possibility of disorder is not remote and the situation of the caterers is difficult. Day wages men are now engaged clearing up and stacking the plant prior to their dismissal within a day or two, while the co-operative contractors to-day received six days’ notice, as required by the award, of the termination of their contracts. NOTICE OF DISMISSAL GIVEN TO WORKERS.

Per Press Association. GISBORNE, January 7. Uhen notice was served upon the railway construction workers this morning, no indication whatever was given any of the men as to further employment. The approximate number of men affected between Tikiwhata and Gisborne is 339, of whom about 220 are married. A large number also are being dismissed at the Waikokopu end of the line. Many will be absolutely penniless after meeting their liabilities for December. The position is declared to be without parallel in the history of construction work in New Zealand.