FOOD FOR BRITAIN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 July 1940, Page 4

FOOD FOR BRITAIN

PART OF CARGO LEFT BEHIND IN AUCKLAND. WATERSIDERS REFUSE TO WORK LATE. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, July 4. As a result of waterside workers' refusing to work past midnight yesterday a vessel loading produce for England by way of New Zealand coastal ports had to leave Auckland with more than 200 tons of cargo left lying in the wharf sheds. t The cargo consists largely of corned beef and primary produce of other descriptions. It is possible that the cargo may be shipped to a southern port. It was stated that about 120 waterside workers, working in six gangs, were affected by their own decision not to work the vessel. They menced work at 8 o’clock yeste• morning and were requested to complete the loading of the vessel, which was considered urgent, even if the time necessary' went past midnight. It is stated that at a meeting among themselves they stated definitely that, if all the cargo was not on board by midnight, they would knock off. They kept their word and were approached by the port authorities, who ordered them to work the necessary extra time, about two or three hours at the most. The men refused. The vessel had to sail without her full cargo. Another vessel which also sailed was fortunate enough to have all her cargo on board. OFFER OF VOLUNTEER HELP. As the result of the failure of some of the Auckland waterside workers to continue loading an English ship after midnight, the National Service Movement has made an offer to the Government to supply man-power in such an emergency. The director of the movement, Mr F. W. Laurie, sent the following telegram to the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser: “We can arrange for men to load ships at Auckland in any emergency. There is no need for ships to leave produce behind.”