WHARF DISPUTE

Hokitika Guardian, 8 May 1929, Page 6

WHARF DISPUTE

AT NEW PLYMOUTH.

By Telegraph—Per Press Association.}

NEW PLYMOUTH, AI ay 7

Cargo operations on the liner Rotorua and the tramp steamer Tregenna were held up all (lay to-day. owing to a dispute between the Railway Department and the men receiving the cargo into the trucks from the ships’ holds. On starting work on the r l regenna this morning, the men. who are employed by the Railways, demanded that two “shooters” (men employed covering loaded trucks with taip.iuiins) should he employed for each truck working, instead of three lor onen two trunks, as at present. The Department claimed that the present provision was ample. The men thereupon struck, and the men similarly employed with the Rotorua struck in sympathy, so that operations had to he suspended on both ships. The steamer Rarawa was worked by non-union labour, and was not affected.

A large quantity of frozen meat from Waitara and Paten is held up, some being on the wharves, and some being taken into the Moturoa cool stores.

A conference-of all the parties was held to-night in camera, and at a late hour it dispersed with “nothing to report,” so it is assumed that work will not he recommenced to-morrow morning.