WATERSIDERS' DISPUTE.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 February 1917, Page 5

WATERSIDERS' DISPUTE.

GISBORNE.MEN IDLE. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Gisborne, Feb. ft ' There is no change in the watersider*' situation. The men met this morning and confirmed the attitude of their representatives yesterday regarding the re« inslateiuenl of the men and decided to wait further developments.' Meantime the. Arahuru is unable to discharge her Gisborne cargo. Gisborne, Feb. 0. A meeting of the directors of the Sheepfarmers' Company, who own the lightering plant, resolved that, the men having refused employment at the .instance of the union, the company is not prepared to reinstate them unless it is assured by the union that until a fresh agreement is made the port will be work- '' od without restriction of hours and Wider the general conditions obtaining dur- ■ ing the past twelve months. - THE REMEDY AT WANGANtJI. ' Wanganui, Feb. 6. The latest developments in connection with the watersiders' trouble wag that wcrk was resumed by free iaaorers on the wharves this morning. Between forty and fifty men offered their services and Hit steamers Ptitiki, Breeze and John are liejig unloaded. More men offered after lunch and plenty of labor will bo available for working overtime to-night. Members of the Watersiders' Union Jurne,l up at eight o'clock this morning and were told they could start under the old conditions, but the men walked away. A QUIET DAY. Wellington, Last Night. The waler-iront was quiet to-day. A meeting of the Disputes Committee was held, but the proceedings were not 'divulged. THE POSITION AT NAPIER. Napier, Last Night. The position is unchanged as regards the wharf laborers' dispute. The employ - ci s have sent a letter to the Waterside Workers' Union, stating that unless work is resumed under the agreements, steps will be taker, to open the port. VOLUNTARY "WORK. AT WANGANUI. Wailganui, Last- Night. .No watersiders oil'crcd for work thu> morning, and voluntary labor was engaged to unload three coastal steamers at the wharf, lot) men being employed drring the day and evening, and an equal number being turned down, »b they were • not required. The National Reserve marched (o the wharf this evening to assist, but found that more than sullicient labor was available. There was no disturbaneee of any kind, the walersidcrs viewing the.situation with indifference. Officials stated to-night that in comparison with several, months past, the cargo was handled in record time. A conference of employers, and watersiders was suggested for tomorrow, but was declined Uy the employers.