WATERFRONT WORK

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2999, 9 February 1917, Page 4

WATERFRONT WORK

WANGANUI SHIPS HELD UF 1 MEN REFUSE TO WORK TIIEMT Tho only event of importance on the waterfront yesterday was the refusal of tho men to work the steamers John and I'utiki, which wero loaded earlier in the week at Wanganui by freo labour. At tho appointed times labour for these ships was called for, but the men would not "lino up." To-morrow labour will be called for again to work tlieso ships. Tin's refusal of tho men io accept engagement for these steamers was not unexpected. In tho afternoon men wero required! to work the s.s. Blenheim, but no labour was offering. Thif incident has no significance, however. .It was intended to go on working this ship far into the evening, and it is probable that for reasons which were purely personal the men did not want this work, and therefore did not offer for it. The dispute as to wages and conditions of work, in which: the employers are the applicants, will come before ttin Conciliation Commissioner on Monday. "BLACK" BOATS AT NAPIER. By Telegraph—Press Association. Napier, February S. Free labourers worked a Homo liner in the/hay to-da.v, and the vessel was declared "black" by the Waterside Union. It is stated that tho Victoria will also be put on the "black list." because the nien were engaged on the union's terms,, and were then refused permission to start, but were paid for ono hour. TROUBLE AT* NELSON. By Telegraph—'Press Association. Nelson, February 8. - When tho Anchor steamer Kaitoa arrived from Motueka to-day no waterside workers appeared to work ■ her cargo, which was handled by tlio company's permanent staff until 4 o'clock, when. ■ the wharf labourers put in an appearance and were engaged. Tho Kaitoa. cleared for Wellington half an ' hour later. Similar trouble . occurred yesterday in connection with the Un'on Company's Mapourika. The wharf labourers claim that labour should be engaged at specified hours.