WATERFRONT WORK

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 March 1939, Page 6

WATERFRONT WORK

ESTABLISHMENT OF CONTROL BOARDS DECISION OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE. GOOD RESULTS ANTICIPATED BY MINISTER. ißy 7 elegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON. This Day. The establishment of waterfront transport control boards was decided upon yesterday by the special committee appointed from the conference which met in Wellington the previous day to discuss proposals for an im■’.revement in the handling of cargo at New Zealand ports. The committee will meet again this morning to give further consideration to the duties of these boards. The committee met in the morning and afternoon. In an interview at the conclusion of the day’s deliberations, the Minister of Labour, Mr. Webb, - who presided, said that many phases' of waterfront work had been discussed. A helpful spirit had prevailed, and it was evident to him that the parties concerned were anxious to improve conditions existing on the waterfront. Excellent progress was made, and the committee expected to complete its discussions this morning. “After considerable discussion,” said Mr Webb, “it was resolved to set up a waterfront transport control board consisting of three representatives from each side who will have power to appoint an independent chairman. Each main port will have a local board consisting of four members, two from "ach side, with an independent chairman. The committee will mriet again tomorrow morning to finalise the duties these boards will undertake.” Asked if legislation would be necessary before such boards could be established. Mr Webb replied that / none would be required. However, if events proved the necessity, for legislation to give the boards statutory powers he would have no hesitation in recommending to Cabinet that this course be taken. “I am personally convinced.” said the Minister, “that the work of these boards will produce excellent results, remove many misunderstandings that create stoppages that prove so wasteful to the community as a whole, and engender a better spirit of co-operation along with a realisation of the industry’s responsibility to the country.”