Wellington Displeased At Blame For Pillaging

Taranaki Daily News, 2 September 1942, Page 2

Wellington Displeased At Blame For Pillaging

Press Assn.

Wellington, Last Night.

A protest against the placing of blame on Wellington for more than its share of cargo pillaging was made by Mr. W. I. J. Blyth at a meeting of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce to-night. Mr. Blyth referred to a report of a discussion of the subject by the Canterbury chamber. which one paper headed, "Wellington Alleged a Centre." That, he

said, was a very drastic statement. His information was that a great deal of pillaging occurred on trucks between Christchurch and Lyttelton. At the Canterbury meeting one case of pillaging mentioned was that of £178 worth of hosiery. Actuaily that pillaging occurred at Liverpool, and 12 men were sent to jail for it. It was very dis-' heartening to find one chamber "blast,ing" another chamber or another port. Captain N. S. Holm said the Associated Chambers of Commerce had made recommendations designed to reduce pillaging. If pillaging occurred in one part of a ship the names of the men working in that part were listed. It was not a black list, but if a man's name recurred frequently he might be spoken to. This seemed the only way to track down offenders. It was not fair that .honest men should be blamed for the dishonest minority. The scheme was already working in some vessels, and he hoped it would be extended.