BENZINE CARGOES

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 309, 25 September 1919, Page 7

BENZINE CARGOES

HANDLING BY WATERSIDERS

.. Exception to the statements made in Napier that damage to benzine-tins was due to rough handling by the waterside workers is taken by Mr. J. G. Bruce (secretary, of tho Wellington Waterside Workers' Union). In a statement to, a reporter yestefday, Mr. Bruce repufliatied the euggestion that there had been carelessness on tho part of the watersiders,. who realised just as much as the. shipowners tho necessity of handling such'cargo as benzine in a careful manner. It was true, as ,the Hon. (i. W. liusseil had pointed cut, that the quality of the tins was much poorer than had been the case before the war. "If the watorsiders are to be blamed for such disasters (is the recent destruction of the Tainui, and the consequent loss of life, then we will refuse to work benzine cargo at all," he declared. "Only one or two of the coastal vessels, at present carrying, benzine are licensed for this work.' In fact, wooden steamers should not be used for .tha work nt all, for the ,fumes penetrate into the seamen's quarters, which aro naturally-made very uncdmfortable for tho men." Mr. Bruce added that many of the benzine cases were in a leaky conditiou oil arrival from America, but nevertheless there were loaded into coastal vessels by the shippers, whose only worry appeared to be to get the cargo, away in quick time. The watersiders had again been asked to exereiso the greatest possible care in handling icnzine, and lie could assure tjie public and the shipowners 1 that, as far* as they wero concerned, there would be no reason for any further complaint. . Mr.. Bruoe said ho had. no objection to the appointment of a Harbour Board inspector to. supervise the loading of benzine, for an inspector' night help considerably.. . i