DISCONTENTED MASTERS

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 56, 30 November 1926, Page 9

DISCONTENTED MASTERS

SHINGLE-CARRYING SCOWS TIED UP. Dominion Special. Auckland, November 29. Discontent with their existing conditions and- remuneration has been voiced on the waterfront by scow masters employed in carrying shingle from various beaches to Auckland. As a result, several vessels have been tied up pending negotiations with firms handling shingle Over 20 vessels are engaged in carrying shingle and sand, most of which comes from Coromandel. In numerous cases scow, masters are also part owners of the yessels under their command. It is contended that the present system of payment is not satisfactory as applied to scow masters working under ngreement with local shingle firms. Under the present conditions a master is paid according to the number of trips made. One-third of the freight goes to the shingle firm, while two-tbirds are handed to the master. With this amount he has to pay his crow and supply them with food, as well as meet other expenses. No official intimation that the conditions are regarded as unsatisfactory lias so far been' given to the shingle firms. It was stated to-day by one firm that it was quite possible :hat tho recent bad v wither Had affected returns, though such a cause conld not be regarded as sufficient grounds fi-T a strike.

It is understood that tnw boats are available to work barges -hould serious trouble arise.