CARGO PILFERING

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 36, 6 November 1920, Page 7

CARGO PILFERING

; AUSTRALIAN WATERSIDERS' GREAT TOLL ' SERIOUS ALLEGATIONS MADE IN SENATE ' By Telegraphr-Presi Auociatlon-Oorxrlelit Melbourne, November 5. 11l the Senate, Senator Enrle moved'the adjournment to discuss cargo pilfering. Hi quoted statements that the toll exacted by tho waterfront workers in Aus; tralia exceeded half a million, and, including potty pilfering, would probably total over a million In support of hla statement! that an organised system was in ' operation, he stated .that n boot manufacturer, in order to prevent thefts, seat all left foot boots in one sliij) and all right foot 'boots in ano'iher, but two cases ill each consignment-disappear-ed. He urged tho need of action on tho part of tho CommonwoalLti and. State Governments and tho unions involved'. Senator Pearce declared thail if tho. statements wore true .they constituted a stigma upon the waterfront workers'. No self-respecting organisation would > sit quiescent under such ehargos. Ho had 'boon told 'Jliat tho detectives placed on vessels took their lives in their hands. If they wont into a ship's hold there was danger fron. falling easeis. He promised to consult the State Governments with a view to taking remedial measures. —Press Assn.