PROGRESS IN AUCKLAND.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1910, 19 November 1913, Page 9

PROGRESS IN AUCKLAND.

THE OUTLOOK BRIGHT. NEW UNION STILL GROWING. MORE STRIKERS TURN TO. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) Auckland, November 18. ■ Business on all the wharves at present in use for the berthing of vessels for the discharging and taking in of cargo continues briskly, and in addition facilities for transportation are quite equal to the. demands. The Muritai, which berthed at the King's Wharf yesterday, had three gangs working from three hatches, to-day, and the authorities state that the vessel will be fully manned to-morrow. There are many vessels coaling. The Opawa and Talune aro both working colliers a-s well as receiving cargo ; and tho Ennerdale at Chelsea is loading sugar as well as coaling. Strengthening the New Union. The tax upon the hew union of watersiders. has been -very heavy, but a further batch of workers is to bo put on to relievo the position. Tho chairman of the Harbour Board (Mr. J. A. Gunson.) stated this morning that an additional 150 members had been admitted to the union,. and this would bring the strength up to 600, who would all bo employed to-morrow. The extra labour will enable those in charge to arrange for further vessels to be worked, and it is expected that within a week the authorities will have the position well in hand.

The Makura, which arrived this afterMoon, will berth at the Queen's Wharf, on tho outer side, and a largo gang of men will at once commence discharging her. It is anticipated that tho vessel's 1000 tons of cargo for this port will be handled with expedition, and enable the boat to sail for Sydney on due time to-morrow morning. A Brighter Outlook. The Mayor (Mr. C. J. Parr), seen by a "Star" reporter this afternoon, said that tho outlook for an end to the strike was brighter. Men were daily' returning to work, and matters were developing every day in tho direction of the only possible settlement—tho collapso of tho general strike. "I am glad," said Hie Mayor, "that order is being maintained throughout tho community. Matters arc moving on steadily and business is gradually becoming normal. Next week t'lfcro will bo coal for tho trams, and there is no reason why tho service should not be running again by EKhibition time." More Strikers Turning To. Applications are still being . received by members of tho new. Hotel Employees' Union for positions. The membership now totals about 400, and as this union embraces tho hotel workers only, it is stated that tho hotels can bo- fully staffed as soon as tho Magistrates order tho reopening for business. More carters aro returning to work eaoli day. About 70 were working to-day, which, with about the GO volunteer hands, makes a total of close.on 120 lorries and carts going- Tho seamen arc coming forward gradually to fill tho positions vacated by tho men who wcro paid ofi\as a result of giving 24 hourn' notice to cause work. It was nwjstwy^

to Bign on a number of "specials" to comploto tho crews when the services wore resumed, but thcro are now sufficient regular hands available, and the Northern Company do not want any more volunteers. Tho harbour dredges aro now fully staffed, and men' have como forward to carry on all tho other harbour works.

Shortage of Coal. Up to tho present no definite intimation has been given as to when a start will bo niado 10 dischargo tho heavy cargoes of coal alloat in Uio harbour, in order to replenish the local 'shortage, and in the meantime householders and small consumers, who have been put to their wit's end to secure fuel in sufficient quantity, have become increasingly anxious. Mr. Gunson was asked this morning for information on the subject, and he stated that although cargo was being promptly handled and tho King's Wharf had been' brought into use; tho pressure on tho berthage accommodation within the protected area was still very great. There was little possibility of colliers being forked this week, with the exception, perhaps, of tho Kiirow, which was to be brought, alongside again to comploto the discharge of her cargo. Supplies being urgently needed,.for householders and small factory purposes, it was hoped to reberth the Kurow to-morrow morning. So far as the.other colliers were concerned, it was pretty well certain nothing could be clone till .the end of tho week, and in all probability it would he next week before the work was properly commenced.