A Relief Worker’s Complaint.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20234, 19 February 1934, Page 6

A Relief Worker’s Complaint.

Dear Sir,— Working on the No. 5 scheme for the Waimakariri River Trust at M’Lean’s Island during my last period (nine days a month), I was called away urgently as my wife had taken ill suddenly. As a result I lost two days’ time. Now, some time went by before I was able to make up the time lost as my wife had to go to hospital and I had to look after the children (one a babv) and the home. On going to the River Trust’s office. I was handed a paper bearing this message: “ Please arrange for (my name) to make up the time lost on his last time out, namely, two days.” I was told to take the paper to the Labour Depot. This I did, but was blankly refused permission to make up the time lost, as the time had not been lost for my own sickness or for personal employment. Now, sir, do you call that a fair deal? If I had been earning money I would have been able to make up the time, but as I was looking after the home, a sick wife and my family, I was refused. Had I to let the children look after themselves or did the department expect me to put them in my pocket and take them to the job with me? My name may be given to anvone interested.—l am, etc, NOT A SQUEALER.