AN EXPLANATION.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXVI, Issue 17773, 23 January 1920, Page 9

AN EXPLANATION.

(To the Editor.) Sir,—-My attention lias been drawn to a telegram which appeared in your issue of the 19th inst., dated “Taihape. January 17th,” with reference to the recent strike at this Company’s work. It appears that your special correspondent has not made himself familiar with the facts of the case before sending this communication. The following statements were made:—(l) ‘‘The employees Slept under tents provided by the Company and had only an eartn floor”; (2)“There are no sanitary conveniences provided, latrines being non-existent”; (3) “The men requested that the Company should take over the boarding-house. This was refused.” These statements are quite contrary to fact. Out of a total of 100 employees, 10 only are living under canvas. Four of these live in tents from choice; one other occupies a tent because of the nature of his work. All of the tents are properly erected, and floored with t. and g. timber. The Company has had continuously before it for the last two years the question of accommodation for the men. Last year, two whares were erected for married men, and a set of whares for single men to accommodate eight. Before the commencement of this season, additional accommodation for 16 single men was erected, and three other bunuings for married men are under erection, and would nave been completed had timber and carpenters been available. The usual sanitary conveniences and latrines are provided at the works- in terms of the agreement. When the question regarding the management of the boarding-house was brought forward, there was no unanimous opinion regarding the conduct of it. One or two individually suggested that it should be' taken over by the company. This the company agreed to do. but the men eventually decided to leave the arrangements as they were, and asked for a very few minor alterations to be made, which were conceded. At no time during the dispute was any mention made of the living conditions, I thought it advisable to make these matters clear, so that a wrong impression would not be given. Thanking you tor inserting these corrections. We are, yours faithfully, D. CARROLL. Managing Secretary.