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Wairarapa Times-Age, 19 October 1938, Page 5

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WATERSIDE WORKERS’ DISPUTE CONCILIATION PROCEEDINGS . IN AUCKLAND. OPINION SHARPLY DIVIDED. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, October 18. The desirability of full publicity being given proceedings was briefly debated at the opening of discussion in Conciliation Council of provisions for a Dominion award for waterside workers. The assessors were equally divided on the question, and the commissioner, Mr R. E. Price, who presided, ruled that the Press should be excluded. “I notice that the Press is with us, and I should like your opinion on the question of their presence,” said the agent for the workers, Mr J. Roberts, secretary of the New Zealand Waterside Workers’ Union, addressing Mr Price and Mr W. H. G. Bennett, employers’ agent, who is secretary of the Waterside Employers’ Association. Mr Bennett: “I big to propose that the Press be present. The waterfront industry ” , Mr Roberts: “We are going to object to any speeches at all, because I know what Mr Bennett is coming up to.” Mr Bennett: “I object to Mr Roberts’s attitude. If the chairman objects to my making any remarks, I will be quiet.” Mr Price said he thought it was just a question of a simple motion, and he did not approve of any discussion. It might open up points to which there might be some objection. Mr Bennett: ■“lt is for you to take that responsibility.” . On a vote being taken, the seven employers’ assessors were in favour of the motion, which was in turn opposed by the seven representatives of the union. Mr Price then asked each of the agents if they felt they might be prejudiced by the Press being present. Mr Roberts: “Yes, quite definitely.” Mr Bennett: “I say equally definitely that it is in the interests of all concerned that full publicity should be given to the proceedings.” Mr Price said he intended to vote against the motion. The presence of the Press might mean that arguments which might be brought forward would not be advanced. Proceedings then proceeded in camera.