WATERFRONT TROUBLE

Hokitika Guardian, 13 February 1917, Page 1

WATERFRONT TROUBLE

Marking Time

(PER PBEB3 ASSOCIATION. COPYRIGHT) WELLINGTON, Feh. 12. The waterfront was again practreany idle to-day. Another call was made for labour to work the small vessels from Wanganui but the men did not respond. Consequently only a few men were taic--011, seven of them for unloading cargo from the relief ship Aurora. A conference before the Conciliation Commissioner was to have taken place to-day, but the assessors appointed by the Commissioner to represent the waterside workers did net turn up. The union, however, communicated with the Commissioner, stating that n the conference was adjourned until tomorrow the Union's assessors would attend. At a largely-attended meeting today, the Watersido Workers’ Union de_ cided to work the boats from Wanganui in the afternoon, but not necessarily the Ripple, which is expected to arrive from Napier early to-morrow morning. Pending to-morrow’.s (Conciliation Council’s proceedings, it is understood that the Government is marking time.

The {Government Action.

WELLINGTON, Feb. 12th

The Government’s regulations empowering the authorities to declare uitain wharves under state control is regarded here as hopeful sign connected Avitli the waterside trouble. This move is welcomed by the men’s represencativess, who state that Government has their verbal assuran e that all Imperial cargo willbe handled without question. This was the case, on Saturday, all Imperial ships being tt work though two ' Wanganui cargoes, loaded by substitute labour, are held up.

The Watersiders Union meets to-day (Monday) to decide its policy in relation to the forthcoming meeting of the Concilatlon Council.

The men’s representative met tne Government on Saturday regarding working the Imperial ships, which so far lias proceeded without friction, it is anticipated that the wharves wheio they load will he declared Government wharves. The Union meeting will also decide their attitude to-wards the Wanganui coastal ships. The active intervention of the Government has lessened the feeling of mu. tunl hotility which made every move pregnant with the possibilities of strife during the last fortnight.