WATERFRONT OPERATIONS

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 71, 17 December 1920, Page 7

WATERFRONT OPERATIONS

(To the Editor.)

Sir.—Like many other members of the public, who bv force of circumstances are obliged largely to base their, opinions upon controversial matters upon those expressed in public 'by men who should he in a position to judge, I am greatly interested in the pros and cons of the suggested co-operative labour association, composed of representatives of the shipowners and of the waterside workers. I reeognisr. that the scheme as published by the Welfare Leaguo left many gaps to be filled before any such proposal could reach maturity, and this aspect of the matter was emphasised by Mr. Bennett in his statement to the Press, which tho Welfare League proceeds to tear into tatters in its' contribution of December U„but although I do not regard .its comnynts as being altogether convincing, I am so much in sympathy with the aims and objects of the leapo that in order to disperse the cloud of doubt with which :thei whole matter is surrounded, I have no hesitation in asking the Wolfarb Lcn'Hie to afford some information on tho following points:—' .. (1) Is their advocacy of a permanent labour scheme based upon actual knowledge'of tha circumstances? (2) Is it supported by statistical infor-mation-as to, the number ofVmon wlo would require, .to.be on permanent weokly pay in order/to efficiently carry ont the work of the- waterfront? (3) What effect would permanent paj havo upon the cost of working ships and wharves, seeing that tho natureof the work is in a measure spasmodic, and that tho permanent hands would 'bo on full pay whether working or not, be the weather wet or tine? (1) Has the leaguo any actual knowledge as to wlwthnr such a scheme as they advocate had been' tried, and is in successful operation in other pnrta of the world and, if so, what are the particulars of any such, scheme? ...... (5\ As the president and individual members of tho ch-amtsers of commerce havo pronounced. deSmtoty in favour of .permanent labour on the wharves, they are doubtless speaking from practical knowledge, and to them also is issued an invitation to reply to the above inquiry. Tf their expressed opinion fs based merolv upon personal inclination, without an intimate knowledge of facts, I am afrai-J it will not carry such weight, or assist others situated as I am, to arrive at any definite conclusion.-l i am, T |tc i .. DARi . Wellington, December 16.