At the Waterfront

Maoriland Worker, Volume 3, Issue 87, 8 November 1912, Page 8

At the Waterfront

By "NAUTILUS.'

WASTING-ROOMS

WELL! NGTON D EI'T.'TATI ON

The Wellington watersiders'' deputation to the Harbor Hoard on the ques-

tion of the men's waiting-room was met by strong opposition, particularly from the chairman (Mr. Robert Fletcher). The workers desired full control of tho waiting-room for members only, ii better system of ventilation, and the right to close the room during recess hours in order to insist on the men leaving the wharves when not required for engagement. Messrs. Farland, Bruce and Reidy formed the deputation. At the outset, tho chairman, in his reply to the deputation, challenged the secretary (Mr. Farland) with having broken faith with tho Board by calling a special meeting without the sanction cf tho executive officers of that body, and contrary to agreement re meetings in the room. The meeting referred to was called early te procure an audience for Messrs. E. E. Ganham, U. Semplo and J. Dowgray, who were attending an executive meeting at Wellington, Mr. Canham having to catch the mid-day train for Auckland. The chief reasons for refusing the wishes of the deputation were on the score of shortage of union labor and the possible formation of a scab union. If control of tho room was given to the present, union any new union which might be formed could be debarred from admittance to tho waiting-room. Tho continual stressing of the new union bogey makes us think that the wish is father to the thought as far as Mr. Fletcher is concerned, yet we cannot bring ourselves to believe that a man who struck on principlo in '90 would foster organised scabbery in 1912. That ho is absolutely opposed to tho N.Z.F.L. could be seen when a question was asked by Mr. HaTkness as to whether the union was registered under tho Arbitration Court. Mr. Farland replied: "No; we are a free body now." Mr. Fletcher interjected: "New Zealand Federation of Labor, eh?'' Mr. Farland rejoined: "I don't want you people to be frightened over that." "Don't you worry about that," said the chairman, amidst general laughter from both sides.

Anyhow, the Bob Fletcher of arbitration times on the waterside is a different man to-day. The effect of losing the Central seat to F. M. B. Fishtvr and his aide-de-camp, Tom Young, together with the demand for his signature on the agreement after tho con-

ferenoo at which the W.H.B. failed to represent themselves through pique, has told on his temper, and the water siders feel tho bite occasionally.

The question of the room was submitted to the Wharves and Accounts Com* mitteo for consideration and report.