WATERFRONT DISPUTE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 March 1940, Page 6

WATERFRONT DISPUTE

EARLY COURT HEARING ASSURED STATEMENT BY EMPLOYERS' REPRESENTATIVE. MR JUSTICE TYNDALL WELCOMED (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON. This Day. The Court recognises that this dispute has first place and proposes to make as early a fixture as possible, said Judge Tyndall, in the Arbitration Court, when Mr W. G. Bennett, General Secretary of the New Zealand Waterside Employers’ Association, asked for an early fixture for the Dominion Waterside Workers’ dispute. Mr Bennett said it should have boon before the Court in February last year. Since then a lot. of publicity had been given to the delay and the employers had been blamed for that delay. “We are here today prepared to go on with the case, but there is no appearance of the other side," said Mr Bennett. We are in no way to blame for the delay.’’ Mr Justice Tyndall: “The Court fully understands that. Mr Bennett, and will make as early a fixture as possible to suit the convenience of both sides. “The Court will, give an undertaking that if you and Mr Roberts agree on a date, the Court will fix that date.”

Mr Bennett said the case probably would take four days. It was agreed to make a fixture on April 2. Mr Justice Tyndall was presiding over the first sitting of the Court in Wellington since his’appointment and was welcomed by Mr W. J. Mountjoy. on behalf of the employers. Mr J. R. Hanlon, on behalf of the Labour Department and Mr T. J. L. Tucker, on behalf of trade unions. All assured him of the co-operation of those they represented.

Work here will occupy the Courl for at least, two months. Several fixtures have been made to April 5.