An End To The Rama Disnute?

Above: Bob jones talking to tenants on the steps of Lerwick Flats. Next to him TPA lawyer Irvin Hart. On the right is Dennis O'Reilly

Last Friday property whizz-kid Bob Jones took a few members of the Landlords Association, plus several security officers, and four people from the "Truth" newspaper, plus a few hangers on, plus Rama Madhav, around to Rama's "Lerwick" flats in High St. Lower Hutt. While the group had the appearance of a band of heavies, Jones did try to persuade tenants rather than bluster. He wanted to give a token show of force, perform a few token evictions, in order to precipitate negotiations. He was under the mistaken impression that T.P.A. was refusing to enter into any negotiations.

Temporary evictions were effected in 3 flats, and arrangements were made for a negotiation meeting to be held on the following Saturday morning. This was attended by various tenants and members of T.P.A., and Jones and Rippin from the Landlords Association. All parties agreed to lower rents for all flats in the Lerwick block. In some cases the reductions were up to $7 per week, and they averaged 18-20%.

This is a satisfactory conclusion to the strike as far as the Lerwick tenants are concerned. But it is not known whether Mr. Rama will be able to see reason as far as the rents and conditions on his other flats. For them, the strike will go on meanwhile.