CORRESPONDENCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2461, 27 March 1909, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

f Correspondence on public matters is welcomed at all times, bat it must be distinctly understood that this journal is in no way associated with the opinion “of its correspondents.]

GISBORNE’S BEAUTY SPOTS.

(To the Editor.) “The time has come,” the TVail'US said/ “To talk of many things: Of suds—ana’ slops—and dirty drains— And whether smells have wings.” —.(With apologies to L.C.). Air. Editor,—With your kind permission we will take them in order of demerit, and easily in the front flight comes: THE PEEL STREET DR AIN, running into the Tarulieru River near( the Whataupoko bridge. The Borough Council are, I presume, responsible for the state of the drains running into the. streams from the main thoroughfares. Only a week or two back I read in your report of their deliberations that it was proposed to make those persons who had been permitted to lay down drains to this stream continue them out to below the “low-water” level of the river: Yet here we have a sewer dribbling its filth out at “high-water” mark, to lio festering Till the following tide partly smothers it with a coat of mud. Until.lately there was a notice to wheeled traffic over this -bridge to “drive at a walking pace.” This has been removed, "probably the Councillors in their wisdom judged it expedient to all travellers to, get out of range from this s-st-smeir As quickly as possible.— I am, etc., “TWEEDLEDEE.”

RAILWAY PILFERING.

(To the Editor.). Sir, —Pilfering on the railway is becoming quite a trade, especially at Waikohu. lam a business man residing at Gold Creek. I buy my goods in Gisborne and get- them consigned to Waikoliu. I am continually losing goods. When they are shipped at Gisborne they are intact. Then I would like to know who is responsible for tlie safety of the goods. The Waikoliu station is left almost unattended.- Any person can go and help themselves, which they have done time and again. . Is the railway not responsible for this fine state of affairs? Complaining through your valuable paper may have the desired effect.—l am, etc., “BUSINESS MAN.” . Gold Creek, March 22.

fWe are informed that the Department- will shortly place an officer in charge at Waikoliu.—Ed. “G-T. ’]

THE CO-OPERATIVE WORKS

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —Complaints regarding the Cooperative- system on railway works are becoming so frequent that I think it about time some official enquiry were made into the matter. I for one have made searching enquiries as to the manner in which some of the men are treated. In referring to men employed on the Gisborne-Motu railway works, I find cases where men have every reason to complain. I will quote instances. A few. weeks ago a married man was sent by the Labor Department in Wellington to the Gisborne-Motn railway construction works, where he is now employed at the rate of 8s per day. After going to work here he made inquiries about getting tents to accommodate his wife and small family, and was informed by one of the officials that all be could get was a 6 x 8 tent; also that the Government did not employ his wife. I can quite understand the Government not employing his. wife, but this man must make provision for Ins wife and family where he is employed. He cannot afford to keep Ins family in Wellington, paying say 15s per week house rent; not- out of a paltry.Bs per day. How is it this man is being refused tents, while others have been given them? Is it because this man did not go on his knees and beg for his rights? Probably so. I think this timekeeper we have here has too much power. If these things are to be tolerated I think it is quite time wc had a change -of Government. Another instance. A man was sent from Wellington by the Labor Department. He was told he would have to wait about a fortnight for work. He has no money. Why is this man not employed right away. Perhaps he is not a relative to some of the officials. If he was I have no doubt he would get a nice billet riding about as assistant storekeeper or something like that. From -all the inquiries I have made I find that unless you have a lot of “red tape” you need not expect any favors, .not. even a job as a navvy, so I should advise any men coming in search of employment not to ask, because I am sure at present there are no positions open for assistant' storekeepers or timekeepers. The works at present are over-manned with the above. Trusting lam not trespassing on too much of your valuable paper. —I am, etc., “FAIR PLAY.” Gold Creek, March 22.