WESTPORT HARBOUR INQUIRY

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1860, 20 September 1913, Page 8

WESTPORT HARBOUR INQUIRY

"THE MTJNRO DOCTRINE."

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

Wcstport, September 19. 1 Before the Harbour Board Commission to-day, John Mitchell, assistant-dredge-master of the Eileen Ward, said ho had never had any trouble in navigating the floating basin with the bucket dredger and hoppers, ■ and contended that the entrance was safe for vessels up to 300 ft. long. ■ Harry Creber, farmer, formerly m the employ of the board, gave 1 evidence that eighteen' men were too many for tl'.tf ordinary maintenance of the board s line. Witness gave a good deal of information about tallying timber on the line, stating that there was no chance of keeping a check under the system in vogue. ' 'He left at Christmas, after, the election before the last got ''kicked out-" Ho attributed ,his dismissal to his being a believer in the Munro doctrine, as preached in Westport, especially, in relation to the Harbour Board, a doctrine that was a good thing for Westport. Ho was discharged at two hours' notice after thirteen years' faithful service. No reason was given for his dismissal. He complained, and was subsequently put on to work in the workshops at Is. a day less than he formerly got. Duncan Darrach, foroman carpenter, gave lengthy evidenco concerning matters under his contpolj denying somo allegations made by Mr. Webster, but stating that had he had the work on private contract, he would have employed less men, and certainly would not;have employed some of those sent him to take on. •