THE WATERSIDERS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10286, 22 May 1919, Page 5

THE WATERSIDERS

REQUESTS TO HARBOUR BOARD

RESTAURANT AND OTHER fABILITIES ASKED FOR.

A deputation the Wellington Waterside Workers’ Union waited on tho Harbour Board last evening to urge the provision on the waterfront of a restaurant, meeting ball and union offices.

It was pointed out by Hr L. Glover (president oi xne union) that the re•jueats were made in a perfectly friendly spirit. At the present tune the men were working under difficulties, owing to. inconvenience in obtaining tneir meals and the absence of central omces and a meeting, place lor the organisation. With regard to the restaurant, they did not want a makeshift, but a place where every facility would bo provided, and where the men could wasn and clean themselves and enjoy a meal in comfort and indulge in social intercourse. At the present time up-to-date facilities were provided tor the storage of cargo, but there was nothing tor the men who carried out the work on the waterfront. Several other speakers stressed the necessity for granting the requests m the interests of economy and efficiency. Mr T. Brindle dwelt on the need for improving the environment of the workers. As long as they had slums in the city they would continue to hav e a slum population, and as long as they continued with the present facilities they would not have the maximum ot efficiency. Mr J. G. Bruce said that there were hundreds of workers w'ho dealt wivh thousands of boxes of butter down the holds of vessels, and when they , went to a restaurant they bad to bo content with a butterleas meal. Why should such a state of affairs exist? The wharves were gradually being extended and the position would arise that the men would be unable to get their meals in the proper meal hour. 'lt was up to the board to consider the interests of the workers as -well as the farmers *nd shipping interests. There was a new spirit coming into the country with regard to Labour, and the board would do well to remember the facts. In reply to Mr Turrell, Mr Glover said that the men would continue to “town tools” before time so long as the present conditions obtained. Otherwise the men would have to go hungry. Some day they might have to ask for two hours for meals. If they .<sked for that they would see that they got it.

The chairman (Mr J. G. Harkness) said all he could do ]ust then was to give them . the .. assurance that the members of the board would give the matter careful consideration.

Mr Glover; If you say no, we will come again next meeting. We will keep on coming till we get what we ask for. Mr J. W. McEwan said he recognised that much good would result if a consultation .were held between the board, the union, and the shipping interests. He moved that a conference be held, and, that thei,. folio wing represent .tho board’.—Messrs .Harkness, McArthur, Wright, Chapman, 'and McEwan. Mr C. H. Chapman strongly favoured the holding of a conference'. He remarked that the restaurant facilities were anything hut satisfactory. Ho was ot opinion that a restaurant would be a paying concern. Mr Chapman seconded the motion, which was earned.