LABOR AT THE PORT.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 May 1919, Page 2

LABOR AT THE PORT.

To the Editor. Sir,—ln your Issue of Thursday (be following Item In reference to the as. Baden Powell appears: "The Baden Powell arrived about midday yesterday from We.lington. There was very little labor available to work her, and she is not oxpected to get away for Wellington again until to-night." Now, the only Inference that the public (and particularly the consignees) can be expected to draw l'rom the above paragraph is that either there was a congestion of shipping at the port, or that the local waterside workers must have been having a busy time lately, with the result that they were quite' lndlifereut about seeking employment on the Baden Powell. Unfortunately for those who follow the shipping Industry at Moturoa such was not the case; and in justice to the members of our union I think a little explanation Is necessary. The facts relating to the Baden Powell's prosent visit to New Plymouth are as follows: The vessel was posted oil the shipping board at the post office as having left, Wellington at noo.i on Thursday. Advice to that elTect also appeared in the Press, consequently there were about thirtyfive men In attendance at the wharf on the morning for engagement of labor from 7.40 to 8 a.m. There was therefore about twice the complement of shore labor vequlred for this ship. Had the agents followed the Instructions wired by Captain Jackson, masler of the vessel, before leaving Wellington, they would have booked labor for 1 p.m., but as no order was made the men dispersed at 8 a m The Baden Powell arrived about 12.30, but as there Is only one time of engagement at this port (a clause lu our union rules) the agents were quite out of court in trying to procure labor at that hour of the day. I have Captain Jackson s authority for stating that he wired his agents at New Plymouth. It seems a mystery who is responsible, or to be more eorreet irresponsible for the publication of such misleadsteterocnts 88 the ono refdrrcd to and similar ones that have appeared in the local Press in the past In regard to the alleged shortage of shore labor for discharging and loading tile ships that trade to this port—l etc '- • G. ELLIS,' Secretary.