LABOUR PROBLEMS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2725, 21 March 1916, Page 6

LABOUR PROBLEMS

WATERFRONT WORK. • Labour problems were mentioned by the chairman of the Harbour Board (Mr. C. E. Danioll) at the board's annual meeting yesterday. "The cost of living largely consequent on the increased valuo of food produced in our own country has penalised thfc wage-earner," Mr. Dariiell said. "A failure to recognise. this and to make an attempt to adjust matters shows our limitations as a community of business men,, presumably interested in producing wealth under the best possible conditions. Our traditions as traders hold us in firm grip, and- yet withal there is evidence on all sides of a very fine spirit of goodwill, wanting) it would appear, a master-mind to define a line of action. For niany weeks past committees of this board, and indeed the board as a whole, have discussed how best to deal with the wages problem. The prolonged conference between the shipowners and waterside workers has delayed a conchsion, but it is hoped that the board at its next meeting will be able to -adopt the recommendations of tile special committee charged to inquire and report. As before intimated, a, sum of £20,000 per year is involved, if the basis of .wages adopted re casual labour is approached, and of course the sum must be collected from those who use appliances of the port. At the close of war it will be necessary to review decisions now arrived at. During the year the board has received several deputations from employees, who have generally presented their requests in a reasonable spirit, in which it is evident that the men recognise that the board with some success has sought to do tho right thing, with the result that no very serious difficulty has been experienced."