Mountpark Hatches Still Not Lifted

Chronicle (Levin), 2 June 1948, Page 5

Mountpark Hatches Still Not Lifted

AUCKLAND, June 1. Three gangs of waterside workers this morning aceepted engagement on the steamer Mountpark, but refused to lift the hatches from the three holds remaining to be unloaded. They were dismissed on a three-day penaity by the Waterfront Iudustry Commission. Another requisition for labour for the 1 -o 'clock -call was made by the ship's age.uts, the Cnioii Company, laut no men were available. Following a furtlaer requisition einployment will be off'ered to another three gangs tomorrow morning. A meeting of the Auckland branch of the Waterside Workers' Union was held this" morning when the men reaffirmed their refusal to lift the hateJa.es from the Mountpark which has been idle since Fridav. The union president, Mr. W. Barnes, stated that the union was still prepared to work the shap in terms laid down in the settlement of the previous Mountpark dispute on March 1 1. A Union Company offaeial commented that the terms definitelv stated that the hatches should be renroved meehanically until a certificate of survejr was obtained frona the Mariaae Departmeaaa; either condemniaag the Mountpark 's hatches or deelaring thena safe. That certificate of survev liroved that the hatches measured up to departmental specifications and under these eircuap.stances the company would not app'rove the use of beam legs for thejr removal.