BREWERY EMPLOYEES

Waikato Times, Volume 96, Issue 15033, 2 September 1922, Page 5

BREWERY EMPLOYEES

DEPUTATION TO MINISTER. IF PROHIBITION IS - CARRIED. By Telegraph.—Press Association.. WELLINGTON, Friday. A deputation representing brewery employees and malsters of the Dominion met Hon. Downie Stewart, Minister of Internal Affairs, to press for consideration in the event of prohibition being carried. - The spokesman stated that over 1000 men, with 7000 dependents, would be affected. The request was not -for compensation, but work or sustenance for their families. Mr J. McCombs, M.P., supported the request as most reasonable. He expected the cost to the Government would he small, as the workers would be readily absorbed by the diversion of money into new channels. The -Minister said it was a matter for s the Government, but as the Act stohd compensation was ruled out. As it was an act of the electors that would cause the loss, perhaps the electors should provide work. If prohibition wSs carried Parliament would be convened, as Mr Massey had stated, and the position of the workers could then be considered. The Minister thought the trade should 1 have made provision. A sword had been hanging over its head for a long time. Would the Alliance meet the difficulty as a thank 'offering?

Mr McCombs said the amount involved was so small that he would suggest that to the Alliance.