WATERFRONT WORK

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 March 1939, Page 5

WATERFRONT WORK

CONFERENCE IN WELLINGTON CONCERN OVER EXISTING SITUATION. COMMITTEE TO PRESENT PROPOSALS. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. Conditions on the waterfront in New Zealand were discussed at a- conference held in Parliament Buildings yesterday to consider suggestions for an improvement in the handling of cargo at the various ports. The conference was attended by representatives of employers and workers concerned in waterside work. Addresses tvere delivered by the Minister of Labour, Mr Webb, who presided, and by the Minister of Finance, Mr. Nash, the Minister of Public Works. Mr. Semple, and the Minister of Housing, Mr Armstrong.. All the Ministers referred to the Government’s concern at the existing situation, and its desire to see an improved state of affairs. Mr Webb said that if things were to continue as at present the waterfront would be held up as the laughing stock of New Zealand, if not also of other parts of the world. Mr Nash said that the whole economy of the Dominion had been very adversely affected by actions on the waterfront. After the Ministers’ addresses there was a general discussion. Though the conference finished during the afternoon, its work will be carried on by a large committee. In an interview at the conclusion of the conference, Mr Webb said there had been a free and open discussion from all angles. The general consensus of opinion was that something had to be done to improve the present situation. The general eagerness of all parties to the conference to get something worth while done was very evident. After a general all-round discussion. it was decided to appoint a special committee from both employers and workers to meet again today to formulate proposals to cope with the present situation. It was generally understood that if any proposals of a farreaching nature were suggested both sides would !■" CT iven an opportunity to confer with tl.eir respective organisations. At the request of the conference, Mr Wbb consented to act as chairman of the committee. The employers’ representatives on the committee are Mr Warwick Gregory, Mr G. G. McFarlane, Mr A. A. Sinclair. Mr R. J. Foreman. Mr M. P. Congdon, Mr J. H. Duncan. Mr W. H. Bennett, Mr Parsons, Cantain R. C. Hammond. Captain S. Holm. Captain T. H. Bowling, and Captain A. J. L. Nayler. The representatives of the workers will be the executive of the waterside workers’ organisation.

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