GOOD PROGRESS IN AUCKLAND

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1909, 18 November 1913, Page 8

GOOD PROGRESS IN AUCKLAND

33 VESSELS WORKING. MORE DRIVERS RESUMING, a PICKETS' EFFORTS UNAVAILING. (By Tcteeraph,—PrcSß Association.) Auckland, November 17. Auckland lias now entered upon tho second week of tho general Strike. Itwas expected that ibis mormiij; would witness a decided improvement in the number of men returning to work. The striko leaders declare that, t-liuy can easily hold out till Christmas, and are confident that by that time they w'ii'l succeed in if not an • actual wiij ou the points at issue* at least a satisfactory compromise. Development of intoresii in. connection with tlio activities over the wharves' to-day Was tho consummation of the decision to make use of tlio King's Wharf for the berthago of vessels, and thus help to relieve' tho congestion and proceed even more' expeditiously than during the past week with ilho_ handling of sea-borne cargo. Early this morning an additional body of "specials" was called upon for duty,; and inarched from tho Drill Hall to tlio King's Wharf, where tfliey will guard. . the entrances and patrol the surroundings. Tlio position established there is the same as has existed at the Queen's Wharf for tho last week. The M'ufitai, with general cargo from London } berthed on the northern side of the King's Wharf this morning, and a start will be made to disffli&rgc h.er cargo on Tuesday Or Wednesday nest. She is carrying a ■large shipment of superphosphates and other fertilisers, and this will be unloaded distributed amongst farmers at the earliest. momeftt. In addition, a. number of small vessels also made use ef tho King's Wharf for berthage this morning. Operations generally on the wharf to-day wore being continued 'with manifest briskness. Thero were a, total number of 33 vessels of all descriptions occupying tho berths at the wharves .within the protected; area, and work was in progress on all of them. With three exceptions, coal supplies were being taken in by the coasters from a hullc moored alongside, while the Ngakuta was still alongside the Opawa, and tho Rakarua was coaling tho Talune. The Malreiio was the only additional Vessel to berth since Saturday, and full gangs Were working her cargo.

Work at the Exhibition Brisk. Taking the Exhibition Executive' at their word, a number of more tradesmen returned to work this morning in order to prevent their places being Juled, Several new liands also applied, and as tho vacancies existed tlioy were ptit on. ■ Throughout tho day there has been a •scene of greatly renewed activity, carts having been arriving with materials, etc., and a staff of about '220 men 'having beeti busily engaged at various callings, both inside arid outside the several buildings. In addition,, a staff of 30 men have been engaged.in finishing off works in ' 'Wonderland' 7 Parle. More Drivers Resume. Despite great activity on.the part of the strike pickets, several niore regular carters toot over vehicles this morning. ■It is estimated that between 50and'j60 of them are now at work, in addition to about 50 volunteer drivers. KnoCs of pickets and followers gathered outside many of tho stables of the. larger firms in various, parts of tho city and suburb!! this morning, and essayed to dissuade ■carters fro'iii returning to work. I'd some instances they were successful, but in most cases tho carters who M eoine back adhered to tho detCiwinatio.il and drovo out far tho day's work under an; escort of permanent and "special" con-, stables. ■ .

Builders and Harbour Board. The Master Builders' Association has' not made aiiy .move yet towards the resumption of work. It seems that thoy consider it r.nwiso to do so until tlioy can he sure of full suppliesyt materials, and this tliere cannot bo while the fewmills ate idle, and wliile difficulties arise in obtaining delivery of goods from the steamers atid elsewhere.. The chairman of the Auckland Harbour Board informed a reporter that a large number of the board's employees had returned to work this, morning, in responso to the call by advertisement, awl after' to-night the board would, according to its anuouneemejit, take the necessary steps to fill tho positions wii'eTO it Was 'desired' to resume operations. Dredging work 'had . been restarted, and ui tli© course of a day or two tho remainder of tiie board's works t other than ono or two to be closed dowii, wotild bo rosnined.