OBSTINATE WATERSIDE WORKERS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17687, 26 July 1919, Page 10

OBSTINATE WATERSIDE WORKERS.

TROUBLE AT WANGANUL STOPPAGE OF GASWORKS THREATENED. (Pbb United Pbess Association.) WANGANTJI, July 24. Tho steamer Inga still lies at tho wharf with 1100 tons of coal, which tlio waterside workers still rofuso to unload. Tho local gasworks is at its last limit, and tho manager has intimated that unices supplies are forthcoming beforo' Monday lio will havo to oloso down. (Fhom Oub Own Cobbespondent.) , .WANGANUI, July 25. Tho determination of tho local waterside wonders to refrain from unloading tho Inga, and to prevent, if possible, free labour from unloading tho vessel, ia causing very serious trouble and concern locally, as many industries are dependent upon gas tor motive power. Tho chief anxiety is felt for tho gas works, which havo only sufficient coul left to carry on for a oouplo of days unless tho vessel can bo unloaded. Tho Borough Council held a special mooting to-day to discuss tho position. The Mayor said that tho gas manager had informed him that tho situation was so serious that ho would feel, his responsibility lessmod when tho council had considered tho position. In addition to tho employers and shipping- representatives prcssent, he (tho Mayor) had invit-ed the president of tho Waterside Workers' Union to attend. Thero were about 40 tons of coal in stock at tho gasworks, and there was a possibility of obtaining a few tons of Westport coal, which was not very suitable. Thero was a serious danger of the works having to olose down altogether. Last night tho pressure was reduced very low, and by his orders the street lights wero turned out at 9 o'clock. Mr G. F. Millward (local representative of the Inga) said ho had just returned from Wellington, where he had been advised by the president of tho Waterside Workers' Federation that if free labour was put aboard tho ship it might embroil the whole of New Zealand in trouble. All eyes wero watching tho developments on tho Inga. Unless he received instructions from the Shipping Federation to work the boat with free labour he was not going to do so, and thus precipitate the trouble. Messrs Brown, Lovegrove, and himself were going to Wellington on Monday to endeavour to come to some definite arrangement. In reply to tho Mayor, Mr Millward said that when he left Wanganui he believed that the Inga would bs worked that morning'. When Ee arrived he heard that tnoro was not enough men to start her. He saw the president of the federation, and found that it was too serious a matter to discharge her with free labour, and that developments must bo awaited. Ho had subsequently wired to_ the Hon. Mr Myers explaining the position and asking for assistance.

The Mayor: "Why do you not go tomorrow?

Mr Millward replied that Saturday was a half day, and it might not be possible to make arrangemerft3 to meet the parties concerned. He added that the local representatives had not been idle. Mr W. Brown stated that tho work on the wharves at Wellington was closed down that day on account of some trouble over the Briton. The dispute had been referred to the National Disputes Committee, and some people who wero engaged in that dispute were concerned in the Inga J; rou blo. The local members did not wish to delay tho matter, and would do everything possible to have it settled. Mr Luxford (a councillor) remarked that there appeared to bo a likelihood of the strike in Sydney being settled, and when that happened the Inga would be relieved. It appeared to him that under the circumstances it would be a grave mistake to attempt to unload the vessel with free labour.

Tho Mayor said they wero not suggesting such a proposal. Mr Luxford said he thought the assistance of the Government should be obtained to enable enough coal to be supplied until the Inga's coal was available. There was ample coal in tho country and on railway trucks in various parts of tho dominion. The Mayor said the council had obtained all the coal possible. Tho works could get only two days' supply. It was eventually decided to reduce tho pressure as low as possible each evening at 7 o'clock.

The question of church services on Sunday night was discussed, but it was decided that no exception could be mada. At present tho situation is critical.