OCEAN ISLAND SITUATION

Press, Volume C, Issue 29499, 28 April 1961, Page 18

OCEAN ISLAND SITUATION

Dispute Settkdi “SatisfactorUy” fN.Z. Press Association). WELLINGTON, April M. “The disturbance tn Ocean Island caused by the . industrial dispute between the labourers and the British Phosphate Commission had been settled in a most satisfactory manner," said the Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) today. Mr R. B. Tennent, the New Zealand Commissioner, in reporting on the situation yesterday, had emphasised that the settlement had been reached strictly on the basis of negotiation and mutual agreement. He had also told Mr Holyoake that feasting and dancing were the order of the day on Ocean Island when he had declared a public holiday to celebrate the peaceful end of the strike. “Happy Meed” According to his report, ‘a happy mood prevails, and flower-garlanded native labourers and their womenfolk and children filled the meeting house, add expressed to all their happiness at the complete agreement reached." “I am very glad indeed that Mr Tennent’s efforts have been so successful, and have removed the danger of any serious trouble leading to violence, which caused the resident commissioner to ask for the presence of a naval vessel,” said Mr Holyoake. “Since the purpose of H.M.N.Z.S. Pukaki’s mission was to serve as a deterrent against disorder, which might have resulted in bloodshed, and not to intervene in an industrial dispute or strike, there was no necessity for the ship to go to Ocean Island,” Mr Holyoake said.