WATERSIDE WAGES

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 20, 24 July 1945, Page 4

WATERSIDE WAGES

REPLY TO A "CHALLENGE"

Alleging that statements made tby Mr. A. P. O'Shea, secretary of the NewZealand Farmers' Union, to the Price Tribunal yesterday were "misleading and mischievous," Captain. R. E. Price, chairman of the Waterfront Control Commission, appeared this morning at the tribunal's hearing of the Wellington Harbour Board's application for permission to increase its dues and charges. Captain Price said he had come as a result of Mr. O'Shea's "challenge" yesterday. The commission had been ready to admit that certain costs of the board had increased because, of increased wages to waterside workers. But he would like to answer Mr. O'Shea's statements. • -

Captain Price 'said he was more concerned with the statement that the latest increase of 3£d an hour in watersiders' wages was contrary to the stabilisation policy and that "no person in his proper senses would have awarded it." "I believe Mr. O'Shea is using the tribunal for a wrong purpose altogether," added Captain Price. "He is going outside its jurisdiction." Mr. O'Shea replied that his statement was that no man in his senseswould say that the increase was having regard to stabilisation. That was said and published, and he was sticking to the statement. Mr. O'Shea is making his submis-, sions, opposing the board's application, this afternoon, and Captain Price has reserved the right to reply to any references to' the Waterfront Control Commission. - .. . . .