VARIOUS DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 February 1921, Page 3

VARIOUS DOMINION ITEMS.

TELEGRAMS.

[ by TELEGRAPH —PER PRESS ABSOOI VITON’] WELLINGTON WATERED)KRS. EMPLOYERS THREATEN TROUBLE WELLINGTON, February 13. The state of* affairs on Wellington waterfront continues; unsatisfactory. There is said to be direct evidence of “go-slow” tactics, and overtime is being severely restricted. Men refused to work overtime on Saturday except, the Karamea, unloading coal. The Nikon, with fruit, was not fully unloaded, and had to return to Nelson with 15 tons

of fruit on board. Employers of waterside labour assert that “pin pricking'’ methods will not lie allowed to continue for very much longer, and that a crisis is now approaching. An informal meeting of employers was held, when the position was discussed. It is understood that the Union has been notified that if normal working conditions are not resumed, the employers will take what action they think best to meet the position. It is feared that unless matters improve there will he a general stoppage of waterside work. It seems the present disturbance is the result of the employers’ refusal to increase their bonus offer of Id per hour. Since the offer was rejected by the Federation, the employers have refused to attend a further conference. A FATAL RESULT. WELLINGTON, Feh. 14

Joseph Rainsley, a waterside worker, who had his left foot torn off and was otherwise injured as tlu* result of being entangled in a wire rope on the steamer Mt. Nicholson, died last night in the hospital. WATERSIDERS OVERTIME. CHRISTCHURCH. Feb. 14 It U understood that the vaiioliS: shipping companies will give the water- , siders instructions to work overtime

to-night, where labour and trucks aie ( available. From what could be gather-j ed at Lyttelton this morning in the opinion of some of the men, the com- ; panics next move will he to lock, them j out. The men generally take the atti- , tude that their action is individual, and consequently they need not inform the , companies whether they intend working j overtime or not. | EGG PULI’ IMPORTATION. CHRISTCHURCH, Feh. 14 A deputation of returned soldiers’ , poultry farmers waited on Mr Massey . in connection with the Asiatic egg trade. The deputation said they were j menaced by the trade in Chinese egg , pulp and if they went to the wall the Government would he left with the luggest farm settlement in New Zealand, 'on their hands. The Premier I said he had no sympathy with the Ini- , pollution of egg pulp and would, if it ; was possible, prohibit the pulp without , legislation, but he doubted it. He knew j the temper of Parliament on the matter and as soon as a prohibition could | he imposed, it would be. |