“MOUNTPARK” TRIBUNAL CONCLUDES INQUIRY

Grey River Argus, 11 August 1948, Page 3

“MOUNTPARK” TRIBUNAL CONCLUDES INQUIRY

AUCKLAND, Aug. 10. The tribunal’s inquiry into the Mountpark dispute is expected to finish this afternoon. Shortly before noon, Mr H. Barnes, national president of the Watersider’s Union, and its advocate before the tribunal, sought to be excused until 1.15 p.m. as he was feeling unwell. Both the chairman, Sir Humphrey O’Leary and Mr C. A. Hamer, who was addressing the tribunal for the Union Steam Ship Company, indicated their readiness to accept an adjournment until to-morrow morning. Mr Barnes said he expected to be able to resume in the afternoon, and by general consent, Mr Hamer continued his address. He said the shipping companies and the union had the responsibility to see that the waterfront industry nut forth its best effort and the union could not be allowed to use its position as a pretext for showing power. The delivery of two essential cargoes—in this case, sugar and wheat —had been inordinately delayed.

Prompt Decision Is Indicated P.A. AUCKLAND, Aug. 10. The hearing by a specially appointed tribunal of evidence and submissions concerning five points of reference arising from disputes on the ship Mountpark and Broompark was completed to-day. The chairman of the Tribunal, the Chief Justice Sir Humphrey O’Leary, said that the members realised that the matter was urgent and very important, and they would endeavour to reach a decision at the earliest possible moment. Counsel for the Waterside Employers’ Association, Mr C. A. Hamer completed his address just before the luncheon adjournment. The entire afternoon sitting was occupied by a closing address of the Union advocate, Mr H. Barnes. He sought payment for the men for all of the time lost. He also asked for a recommendation for the elimination of the type of hatch used on the two ships. The hearings were begun by the tribunal on July 26 and have occupied 12 sitting days.