THE WATER FRONT

Hokitika Guardian, 26 February 1921, Page 1

THE WATER FRONT

[BY TELEGRAPH—PER I’HESS ASSOCIATION] FEDERATION’S STATEMENT. EMPLOYERS’ DENIAL. WELLINGTON, Feb. 25. The Watersi'ders’ Federation has not yet replied to the proposal made by the employers that the present position on the waterfront shall be considered by a special committee representing both sides.

Air Roberts, secretary of the Federation, in a letter to Air Bennett, manager of the Wellington Watersiders’ Co-operative Employments Association, notes that after having made exhaustive enquiries he finds: (1) That the “go-slow” was not put into operation at any port in the Dominion; (2) 'That the men idl’d not act in concert in dedining overtime. Air Glover, president, and Mr Robots are convinced that in all instances lie watersiders acted strictlv in accord-

ance with the terms of the agreement. They assert, however, that the employers ignored Clause 15, which provides for the reference of disputes to the Local Disputes Committees, and if necessary, to the National Committee. AH Bennett, in his reply says: The employers regret that they are unable to accept the statement, and are satis-, fio'd that their complaints are absolutely correct, emphatically so in regard to tin* men acting in concert and refusing to work overtime. Afr Roberts is in error in stating that, the employers ignored Clause -15. The, dispute, was referred to the Local Disputes Committees at Auckland, and AYellington, but the union at both ports •declined to accept the responsibility of dealing with the dispute.