RAETIHI

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20107, 28 March 1928, Page 5

RAETIHI

ERUA BUSH. [ Special “Chronicle” Service. 1 A deputation composed, of Messrs JJ. Treloar and G. O. Loughlin (representing the employees) and Mr T. Shout; (secretary of the Timber Workers’ Union) waited upon the Raetihi Borough Council in regard to theh closing of Erua bush. Cr. Lalolo, who introduced the deputation, said the men working in the Government bush at Erua had received notice that the Government had decided to close down. This action would not only put 33 men, mostly married, with families, out of work, but would affect the district generally. It was suggested that the Council could assist the workers by forwarding a protest to the Government.

Mr Treloar said the men had received notice three weeks ago, but no mention had been made of re-opening the Pokako bush. Last year when the Pokako bush was closed a deputation waited on the Prime Minister and the men were found work. Some were transferred to the Erua bush and others were put on relief work. At that time Mr Coates said that when Erua was cut out, Pokako would be reopened. A great deal of formation and preparatory work had been done and the bush is all in readiness to start work. If the bush were abandoned, this work would be wasted. The men considered that the local bodies could help them by lodging a protest.

Mr Shout said that when the union heard of the closing down, he got in touch with industrial Ludics and members of Parliament in Auckland and Wellington, asking them to lodge protests, which they had done, but he thought that protests coming from local bodies would carry more weight. The Council, said the chairman, were in .sympathy with the men and would assist them in their request. The following resolution was passed to be wired to the Prime Minister: ‘‘lt is reported that the Erua and Pokako bush work is to be closed down, and it is respectfully asked that the men be not discharged without serious consideration, in view of the existing unemployment in the Dominion. If the position demands the closing of operations, we suggest that men be employed in preparing the land already worked over for grassing next season/ This land at present is in a deplorable condition.” CHORAL SOCIETY.

The annual meeting of the Raetihi Choral Society was held on Saturday evening, Mr W. H. Sandford presiding. The chairman reported that the society had had a very successful year. Two oratoris had been produced, and a grand concert and a carol concert given. The membership stood at 34, and the society was making steady progress. It was greatly indebted to its conductor, Mr 1). S. Ogden, for his valuable services and members wished Mr Ogden to accept a cheque as a token of their appreciation and esteem. The finances of the society were in a satisfactory state and there was every indication of continued success.

Air Ogden, in thanETng the members for their generosity, said, he would rather see the money d'evoted to the funds of the society. The following officers were elected: Conductor, Mr D. 8. Ogden; president, Mr W. H. Sandford; vice-president, Mr L. A. Eastman; secretary, Mr C. H. Parkes; treasurer, Mr J. 11. Lucas;

librarian, Mr Reynolds; music selection committee, Mr Ogden, Mrs Fletcher and Mrs Fag; committee, Misses Larkin, Ashwell, Urwin and Mrs Goddard. At the conclusion of the meeting a musical programme was contributed.