GISBORNE WATERFRONT DISPUTE

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 42, 13 November 1920, Page 10

GISBORNE WATERFRONT DISPUTE

.' OFFER BY MEN DECLINED. , By. TolegraDh—l'ross Association. .... Gisborne, November: 12. 'At'a meeting of the Shipowners' Committee a further letter was received from the secretary of ther Watersiders' Union stating that the men were not satisfied with tho information received, which they contended was side-tracking ii direct answer. Tliey made an offer that the four men concerned in tho dispute would go back to work on the Fairbiirn, together with two other members of tlio union, ana in tho event of the decision going against the union the union pledged itself to refund the money fftid to tho additional men. The Shipowners' Committee replied declining the offer, and calling attention to .dauso 45 of tho agreement, to which both parties are bound, its essence being "that work shall proceed in the customary manner and shall not on any account whatsoever be impeded." They repeated their intimation that the meil on the Fairbiirn must resume work and tho matter bo referred to the Disputes Committee. The Karamu, which was coming to Gisborne with coal urgently > needed', .will dischargo her Gisborne coal at Napier. The Mararoa's cargo from Auckland is untouched. It will bo taken back to-morrow. Several horses for the Tnkapunn. meeting are unable to proceed... Coal, sugar and benzine are in short supply. The Gisborne gas is, expected to peter out on Sunday morning.