HAMILTON UNEMPLOYED.

Waikato Times, Volume 113, Issue 18850, 21 January 1933, Page 5

HAMILTON UNEMPLOYED.

CERTIFYING OFFICER’S POSITION. REPLY TO ALLEGATIONS. Replying to the letter of Mr V. Drummond in last night’s Times, alleging that the local certifying officer was Indifferent to cases of hardship, Mr F. Wilson, officer in charge of the local office of the Labour Department, staled that he was unaware that any arrangement had been made for Mr Drummond’s transfer. It was probably arranged by an officer who is at present on leave. Presumably the suggested transfer was cancelled after the officer heard Mr Wilson refuse the request of the deputation from the men on the job, and who also desired a transfer. Obviously the officer bad to choose between cancelling Mr Drummond’s transfer or lay the Department open to suggestions of favouritism as between man and man. The other facts are that Mr Drummond came to the office last Saturday, about 10 a.m., and stated that lie desired the transfer as the work was t^ n hard. He also explained his disabilities, lie was informed that if he could produce before 11.30 a medical certificate corroborating bis statements lie would be transferred. No doubt through inability to see bis doctor he did not return, although Mr Wilson was in the office until 12.20 p.m. During the week-end the officer was able Lo obtain other proof that his remarks were correct, therefore, Hie certificate became unnecessary. “On Monday, at 8.30, Mr Drummond saw me and desired the transfer. It was then too late to replace him on the Courthouse job. lie produced the certificate, but I stated it was unnecessary, as although I could not. then transfer him, l would do so at the end of the week. I advised him to go to the Courthouse job and inform the overseer that I desired his time booked in as a full day. and I further advised dial, lie mention the mailer of his physical condition to that official, and he might be placed on light work, if not, then in any case lie need only work up to his physical ability. 1 understand that Mr Drummond' was given every latitude. It should be understood l(iat the Public Works Department arc employing a special overseer for the Courthouse job, and if the gang falls in numbers then Hip administrative costs become out of all proportion to the value of Ihc work performed."