Wharf labourers' Ablutions.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 6, 2 October 1907, Page 2

Wharf labourers' Ablutions.

HARBOUR BOARD AND BATHS,

CHIROPODISTS AND BARBERS. Tho waterside, workers' daily wash made considerable demands on the time of the Harbour Board at the special meeting yesterday afternoon. Mr. Fletcher introduced the matter' by moving the following motion: — " That tho time has arrived when tho Board should,-iu the interests of the public health and tho welfare of the largo number of employees engaged , in and about the wharves, take into consideration the advisability of establishing in proximity to tho waiting room, hot and cold water baths; for the waterside workers, and that the Engineer be instructed to furnish a report on the matter." The mover stated that many of the men had no baths in their homes, and such conveniences were urgently necessary in view of the dirty work they were frequently engaged in. The Board ought to take the lead, as anything that tended to improvo the lot and environment of the workers should be encouraged. The cost would be a mere bagatelle, compared with tho r advantages that would accrue. The matter had already been token up by many firms ill old " conservative England," and this 'country should not be behind. Mr. M'Lellan:—"Would you not add dining-rooms, free breakfasts, v etc.?" Mr. Wood, M.H.R., seconded tho motion that the engineer bo asked to report on tho proposal. , A Chiropodist. Mr. Beauchamp said he would support tho motion on one condition— that a chiropodist, barber, and manicurist be added to tho establishment. The coal-heavers got very dirty during their, work, and their hands and nails should be carefully attended to (laughter). Mr. Shirtcliffo was iu favour of consulting tho interests -of the' workers m every way possible, but pointed- out the difficulties that surrounded tho proposal. To meet the ' needs of tho men as suggested, they would require at least a hundred baths. It was not likely that tho men would use the baths after work, knowing that they would have to put their unclean working clothes oil again afterwards. Ho did not think thero was any real demand for tho baths on tho part of tho men. Mr. Hislop urged that, the scheme was worth striving for. The present accommodation for tho workers' was of a scandalous nature. Thero could be no objection whatever to oncour-, aging cleanliness. The City Council had gone so far as to provide working suits for employees, and lookers to keep them in, so that they, could change after work and go homo with-. out being offensive to others or uncomfortable themselves.. Public Baths. Mr. M'Lellan said Mr. Hislop had made out a very good case fot publio ■ baths in the city. It would be a good thing for the City Council to erect baths which could be used and appreciated, not only by tho wharf labourers, but by the tramway and railway employees. Nearly all the large cities had public baths, which met tho demands of tho workers. If the Board erected the baths, they could not make the men use them; he had seen that experienced at home. As it was only a report that was now asked for, however, ho would be glad to support tho motion., " Mr. Fraser also urged tho need for public baths.. The Harbour Board was not tho ; body that should take the matter up. Mr. Fletcher said it was all very well to say that (the workers ought to have baths in their homes, but tho fact remained that in many caseß tlioy did not possess them, and could not help themselves. The motion was carried, the voting being as follows:— For: Messrs. Wood, Hislop, Shirtcliff e, Fletcher, Fraser. Against; Messrs. M'Lellan and Beauchamp. Another Motion. Mr. Flctchcr then moved tho following motion:— ' "That as the waiting room now occupied by tho wharf ■ employees, is considered most unsatisfactory both from the employers' and employees' point of view, the Engineer be asked to report as to whether provision could not bo mado for more suitable rooms on the • ground floor, at or near the present locality." He condomnod the room as mo3t unsatisfactory from every point of . view. Mr: Hislop seconded. Mr. Boauchamp considered that > little exception could bo taken to the • \ room. The floor was covered with sawdust, but they could not provide ' turkey carpets and lounges. The only objection seomed to be that- the moil had to climb two flights of stairs; but perhaps a lift could be - provided. Tho room was clean, wellvontilatcd and lighted. ' Mr; Shirtcliffo considered tho men wore very well off. Mr. M'Lellan thought the principal objection came from tho employers' representatives—foremen, stevedores, etc.—who did not liko having to climb tho stairs when looking for men. The trouble was that friction aroso between tho different classes of workers —the coal labourers, tha Board's men, and tho unionists. A room on tho ground floor would nob be nearly so comfortable as tho pro- . sent one. Thero had been very little complaint from tho workers themselves—it camo from outsider;?. Ho • did not think it was a tho men to climb up a few stairs. It was tho occupants that caused trou-' bio, not tho room. Mr. Hislop denied that the place and surroundings were fit for decent men. The men should be given tho opportunity to choose what suited thorn. The motion for a report was carried on the casting vote of the chairman.