WATERSIDERS ’ DISPUTE.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 6 February 1917, Page 3

WATERSIDERS ’ DISPUTE.

STATEMENT BY MINISTER WELLINGTON, Feb 3. Mr. Roberts, president of the Waterside Workers’ Federation, and Messrs Glover and Bruce, members of the executive, interviewed the Hons. Allen, MacDonald, Herries, Russell, Hercman and Bell last nigbt on the subject of the watersiders’ working conditions. The conference was private. I understand the deputation submitted to the Government an offer 4 to work all Imperial cargo on the lines which the men insist are necessary to their safety and to keep produce in good order. The employers’ representatives saw Ministers last week. Mr. Allen, questioned by your correspondent, said the Government had taken no action in the trouble. “We are neutral,” he said. The ActingPremier indignantly denied a rumour current in the city that a list of soldiers willing to work on wharves was being prepared in camp. WANGANUI JOINS THE STRIKE. WANGANUI, Feb 3. At a meeting of Wanganui watersiders this morning a report by delegates at Wellington was received, and it was decided, by secret ballot, that the local union would not work between 5 o’clock in the evening and 8 o’clock in the morning.