Workers and Drink.

White Ribbon, Volume 13, Issue 145, 15 June 1907, Page 4

Workers and Drink.

From a copy of the Grey River Argus we learn that a propose! was made to open a hotel in the Paparoa mining township (Westland). A public meeting of the workmen was thereupon called for the purpose of ascertaining their opinion as to whether a licensed house was desirable or not. Over one hundred of the employes were present, and a Mr J. Hilton laid a few facts before those present. He said, in part: “ Mr Chairman and fellow workmen, You will perhaps be surprised at my standing here to do all in my power to prevent intoxicating drink being brought in our midst, but when 1 tell you a few facts concerning its baneful *‘cts that surprise will, I think, dis- ; " I was for some time working Ut .ate mine and, during the whole time tnat the construction of the works was in progress and before a hotel was opened there, not one man ever got the sack through drink. But what happened the first month alter the cursed drink was taken there ? Four men were discharged ; the second month six men bad to leave through its effects ; and these were men that formerly had snug banking accounts that had all vanished. I intend dealing with this question not fflpm its moral, but from its financial aspect, for I can assure you, boys (and from my connection with the union I am in a position to know), some of those men had families and had to get monetary assistance from the Union s funds to go elsewhere. Knowing of results such as this are we to stand quiet and set* this evil planted in our midst. I can assure you, gentlemen, that now lit re is it so harmful as on construction works, such as we are engaged on, because we have to rough it at the present time. Then, for your own sake, for the duty we owe our wivec and families, let us stand shoulder to shoulder and prevent this cruel wrong being done us.’ The speaker on concluding was met with a perfect volley of applause. Later, at the same meeting, calls were made for MrNeilson, the manager (we presume), to speak. Alter referring to the fine stamp of men engaged at Paparoa, Mr Neilson said : —“1 may

tell you that very shortly a much greater number of men will be employed here. There is a lot of work to

be done that will require cool heads and steady nerves incline tunnels to drive, large bins to put up and bridges to build and I can’t have men endangering their own lives and also the lives of others. No doubt there will be petitions taken around on this matter, and if you think that you will be benefitted by having a hotel here, that your wife and those dependent on you will have their interests studied by it, then sign in its favour; but if you think with me that we have got on well together thus far, and wish it to continue so, that your wives and families should have the benefit of your earnings, then, as one of your speakers said, stand shoulder to shoulder to prevent this disturbing influence from getting a footing here, and we shall go on as we have done hitherto, doing justice to ourselves and giving satisfaction to our employers."