GRADE I. FOR ARMY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21112, 4 June 1943, Page 4

GRADE I. FOR ARMY

AUCKLAND WATERFRONT

APPEAL BOARD DECISION MUST CONTRIBUTE QUOTA (PA.) AUCKLAND, June 3. Appeals lodged by the Auckland Waterfront Control Commission in respect of 75 union waterside workers who were in category A for military purposes were dismissed by the No. 2 (Auckland) Armed Forces Appeal Board. In all 195 cases in respect of watersiders were before the board, the remainder being below category A. The board decided that all of the .men whose appeals had been dismissed should be made available for service in the next four months, though there were a number of- personal appeals vet to be heard. On the suggestion of the Crown representative. Mr. L. M. Harris, it was agreed to deal with category A men only and to adjourn the other appeals sine die.

Tiie acting waterfront controller, Mr. W. J. Cuthbcrt. stressed the need for retaining an adequate supply of labour on tire wharves to ensure the rapid turn-round of vessels, and stated that at March 31 there were 1049 men on the union’s register. A grade men (for wharf purposes) totalled 1426 and B grade 223. Mr. Cuthbcrt stated that the average working hours for six months up. to March 31 were 59.78 a week for A grade men and 53.16 for B grade.

Comment on criticism levelled at waterside workers was made by Mr. Harold Barnes, president of the union. Witness also said the union had accepted ail men it considered suitable for the work, and had also taken some who would not have been taken in normal times. Some of the applicants were about 66 years of age. The chairman. Mr. I. J. Goldstine. expressed the viqw that while there was a labour shortage which was 'hindering the quick turn-round of ships it would be better to employ some men who might not be as quick as others. There must be some branches of work they could do. Other industries were carrying staffs which were not as efficient as those existing before the -war. Mr. Barnes said the union had already been criticised regarding the work done.

Mr. Goldstine: Do you think it more important to avoid criticism, than to admit these men and help deal with the vessels?

Mr. Barnes repeated that the union had been made a “chopping block.” In making its decision the board raid that, in line with other industries, the waterfront industry must contribute its quota of category A men to the army. The board proposed to make some of the category A men available forthwith, a further number in two months’ time and the balance in four months from now. The board was aware that the army required as many fit men as possible, and was taking that into consideration in determining its policy. Next week the board intended to hear any personal appeals by watersiders, after which it would determine the order in which the men would be released and the dates on which they would he made available. In that respect reservists* family obligations would be taken into account.