WATERSIDE ACCIDENTS INQUIRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 June 1918, Page 2

WATERSIDE ACCIDENTS INQUIRY.

THE EVIDENCE CLOSEtt By Telegraph.—Press Association. Dunedin, Friday. At the Waterside Accident Commission, John Jackson, foreman painter for the Union Co., said he supervised the fumigation of vesselg. After hearing this witness the chairman said it would be advisable for the commission to refer this aspect of the matter to Dr. McLaurin, of Wellington, for his advice. Thomas Cordac, manager of the Union Co.'s repair works, said he had never had an accident reported to him due to defective gear. The inspector of gear in ships in New Zealand "\vas as exacting as the inspectors in ships at Home. It would be well for the Shipping and Insurance Co.'s, and for the safety of the waterside workers, if rigid inspection was made to apply to the gear in ships, and to hulks and harbor boards. Robert Constable, naval architect to the Union Co., gaid a good margin for safety was allowed in using gear. Evidence was also heard on behalf of the Dunedin waterside workers, and three witnesses were called on behalf of the Marine Department to speak as to inspections carried out by them. This closed the evidence. Mr. Wilford (chairman) thanked the Shipping Co.'s Harbor Boards, waterside workers and unions for the assistance given in elucidating many of the complicated and important problems relating to waterfront work. He also thanked his colleagues for their able examination of witnesses. Already he could see reforms must be introduced as the result of the commission.