HARBOUR BOARD

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 203, 22 May 1919, Page 6

HARBOUR BOARD

REQUEST BY WATERSIDERS RESTAURANT AND SOCIAL HALL WANTED The Wellington Harbour Board met iasi night. Present: .Messrs. J. G. Harknoss (in the ohair), C. JI. Turrell, C. E. Cable, C. 11. Chapman, M. W. Weicii, 'I. \V. M'l3 win, .J. G. Cobbe, Ji. JJ. Sinclair, It A. Wright, M.P./ and Caiitain C. M"Arthur. A deputation from the Waterside Workers'J."liion waited on the hoard to request tiiat the board should assist in providing a restaurant, a meeting-hall, and union offices for the members of the union.

Mr. L. Glaver said the workers were making a small request—not so big as some that were to come. The men felt the quality of meals provided in restaurants at the present: day were hot up to the standard of tho?e supplied years ago for the same money. *11, was felt that it would be to 'he advantage of tho workers if ji portion of the waterfront were sot aside for the benefit of the men. The board had its business offices on (he waterfront, and it was only right that the men who worked on the. waterside should have their head of, fices established ill a central position also. Tile deputation approaching tho board in a friendly spirit, and felt that the request it made was a just oneV

In supporting the request, Mr. T. Briiidle said it was futile.to ignore the dfcinands of organised workers. By acceding to .such a request as the union was making the board would be doing something which would prove beneficial, and tend to improve ilie relations existing between employers and workers on the lvaterfioni.

Otncr speakers suggested that the lioaid should provide washing-places, for the men on pact' of ilie wharves. At the present time men had to.have meals without having the opportunity to cleanse themselves beforehand. This was not a very pleasant condition of affairs. It was also desirable that the board should provide a. social hall, in order that -the environui»nl of the men might be improved. The wailing hall at present in use was most uncomfortable, and not at all suited' to tho needs of the men.

Mr. .T. Roberts said that the best storfge nccommnilnlion in Australasia was provided in Wellington, therefore was it rot desirable that the best accommodation should be supplied for the men who had to work on the wharves?

Mr. J.' G. Bruce said that the Harbour Board did the best 'it could for the fanner and for the 1 shipping interests. but what did it do for labour? Nothing. It was said that a new spirit was permeating the world. That might be so in the Old Country lo a slight extent. but the new spirit had not yet trirh"d New Zealand, at any rate.. By providing the facilities which the, deputation requested tho board would be doing something (o create a belter spirit amongst the, wharf workers. Complaint was .made that men left their work ten mikutes before the time for knocking off. The speaker felt that no grievance could bo entertained in that respect as it look somi; of the men a long time to get to Iheir homes, or to places where they could obtain meals. They should have sufficient time in which to get their meals.

In reply to Jlr. Chapman. Mr. Glover said that recently a waterside worker, in his hurry to get home, attempted to jump on to a lorry, with the result that he, was killed.

Mr. Turrell asked whether, if a lestaurant were provided, the men would work full time.

Mr. Glover said he could not a definite answer. It would not be possible to provide inep.ls for 1500 men—perhaps they would only he able to suppl} 1 about (WO men with meals. Until tho present facilities wero improved, however, the practice of men leaving off work early would continue. "Most likely," 6aid Mr. Glover, "the demand pf Labour will ultimately be two hours for dinner, l'f they do it will be right, or else they would not ask for it." 'Laughter.)

The chairman of the board said that careful consideration would lie given to the request of 'the deputation. More than that could not be promised at the present time. After the deputation had withdrawn', Mr. M'Ewan said he.recognised the importance of the request made to ilie hoard. He moved: That n committee consisting of five members of the board should be appointed to confer with ail equal number of representatives of the Watersiders' Union, and the shipping companies, in reference to the proposals submitted by the deputation, and to report if possible to the next meeting of the board ill committee."

. Mr. Chapman seconded the motion. On the motion of Mr. M'Ewan, seconded by Mr. Welch, Captain M'Arthur, Messrs. Harkness.^W right. Chapman, and the mover were appointed a committee to confer with the union.

' It was reported that the current account showed a credit balance of J!53,711 lis. 7d., and the interest account a balance to credit, of .£3996 9s. 3d, The amount 011 fixed deposit was <£60,000 Accounts amounting to <C3G,038 18s. Gd. were pas6ed for payment.