PORT OF PATEA

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 312, 27 August 1932, Page 5

PORT OF PATEA

(Press. Assn. — ]

free labour used RAILWAY CONTRACT MAY REPLACE SHIPPING CONNECTION THE WATERSIDERS' DISPUTE

By Telegraph— Copyright).

Hawerei, Friday. With the signing off of the crews of the vessels, Hawera and Kapuni, a deadlock was reached in the watersiders' dispute at Patea this morning, but there was a surprise in the. turn of events this afternoon, when the Hawera, which had arrived in port from Wellington on Saturday with a cargo, was unloaded by free labour. Unionists made no attempt at interference, and the cargo discharge was completed. The deadlock resulted from the watersiders' refusal to accept the South Taranaki Shipping Company's offer, until the shipping compajny reinstated five store employees who had been discharged. After loading, the crews were paid off, and the possibility of far-reach-ing consequences was indicated in an interview with Mr. J. R. Corrigan, chairman of the West Coast Refrigerating Company, of which the South Taranaki Shipping Company is a subsidiary concern. The present time being the slaek season, with no shipments for six weeks, the Hawera will he laid up for overhaul, and the refrigerating company and the shipping company woul(J have an opportunity of reviewing the matter. It is understood that the Railway Department is prepared to negotiate for a railway contract to Wellington. The shipping company recently received inquiries regarding the sale of its vessels, though nothing would be done until an acceptable railway contract had been arranged. There was a distinct prospect of revolutionary changes being made. In the event of shipping being continued, the Patea Company claim the right to retain storemen working the company's cargo. Patea, being a tidal port, is not restricted to the same conditions as the larger ports. Mention was made of the fact that the unionists are willing to work general cai'go at the rate of 1/11 per hour with the usual overtime rates. They were offered 2/- an hour for eight hours with overtime after eight hours. The secretary of the Patea Watersiders' Union said they were offered 2/- an hour, but no mention was made of overtime. They are awaiting developments from Wellington.