PUBLIC WORKS.

Waikato Times, Volume 109, Issue 18344, 2 June 1931, Page 9

PUBLIC WORKS.

ULTIMATUM TO TUNNELLERB. PLACES MAY BE FILLED. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Monday, In a loiter lo the secretary of the New Zealand Workers’ Union, Mr A, Cook, reference is made by the Hon, \Y. b. Taverner, Minister of Public Works, to the cessation of work on the Tawa -Flat -lunncl and •other public works, involving not only Lunnellers hut oilier men. The letter sin toil Ihe department was being continually approached by j tunnellers and others anxious to lake up work on the discontinued sections at rates which had been offered lo the men previously employed thereon, but who were now idle. In view of the large number of men now out of work, there was no reason why those willing to work should longer lie denied the opportunity. Unless the men who until recently lvad been employed by Ihe department were prepared lo resume work, signing their contracts before the end of tills week at rales which had been Axed, there would be no other course open but lo give work lo those who were applying for it. ULTIMATUM FROM MINISTER. TO BE DISCUSSED BY MEETING. WELLINGTON, Tuesday. The Minister of Public Works, in a letter lo the New Zealand Workers' j Union fixed Ihe Dial opportunity for the Tawa Flat LLitinellers to resume

under. The revised contract rate has not yet been considered by Ihe union, but the secretary, Mr Cook, intimated to an Evening Post representative to-day that the union had asked the Minister to extend the date to June 12. He said tills request was made In order that the ultimatum might be placed before the men on the Stratford main trunk, Arapuni, and oilier public works. He expected an early reply from the Minister. A general mooting will he hold in order to discuss I,ho .Minister's letter.