IS IT A STRIKE THREAT?

Chronicle (Levin), 9 May 1947, Page 4

IS IT A STRIKE THREAT?

-Press Association

Judge Intrigued By Remarks Of WaterSide Advocate

By Telearavh—

/ WELLINGTON, May 8. * "Yoii seem to. be haiiging -a Sworcl of Damocles over oftr heads.'by saying that great dcvelopments might arise. Is that > a thseat qf- a potential strike? Are yoxi threatening a breach Of tlie law?" asked Mr. Justice Tyndall in the Coui't of Arbitration today dtirihg the heariiig of claims for new award by the New Zealand* Harbour Board Employees' Union. v Mr. Tyndall 's remarks. were prompted by a statement by the workers' advocate (Mr. 34. Freeland) that . he submitted to the Court that if the list of proposed reductions were evdr plaeed liefore the workers the harbour boards wotild soon be' searching the cities for employees to work t'or them. "If the facts concerning the oli'ers made in Conciliation Coiincil and the conditions attaclied to . them were ever published vo board would be able to function because the entire waterfront industry is closely watching the making of this award and on its* issue great developments may arise," said Mr.. Freeland. . His Iionour: To what are you rof erring ? Mr. Freeland: I am leaving that to the Court. His Honour then asked if the words were a threat of strike-or of a breach of law. "No, sir," replied Mr. Freeland with emphasis. He added. that after the "1937 award harbour boards had sent union men home and used -non-unipn men for over-. time work after 5 p.ih., and the union. was very coneerned ahout it. • The employers' advocate (Mr. W. J. Gardner) asked for more information on the statements so that the employers could answer them. His Honour: I feel that the words ' 1 great developm ents ' ' tnean more th'an you imply, hut if you will not tell us more we • wijl have to leave the matter. ... Shortly afterwards His Honour objeeted to the faet that eontradictory statements were being submitted and saidAhat in the circumstances he would not he answerable for what happencd as a rCSult of those statements. "In fact," he added, " great. developments might arise." The hearing began on Tuesday, morning and after the hearing of claims ' for exemption, Mr. Freeland began the presentation of the union's case which was containod in a document of 82 type-written foolscap pages. Mr. Freeland concluded his statement this morning and began the calling of witnesses. The case is expected to last into' next week.