WORK ON WATERFRONT

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 29241, 11 October 1940, Page 2

WORK ON WATERFRONT

MORE EFFICIENCY CLAIMED CONTROL BY COMMISSION (By Telegraph.—Special !o Times) WELLINGTON, Thursday •* Overseas vessels have received quicker despatch and there has been an increase of 20 per cent in the rate of handling cargo since the appointment of the Waterside Control Commission and the introduction of the co-operative contract system,” said the Minister of Labour, the Hon. P. C. Webb, tonight, in a survey of the commission’s activities. “ At the request of the commission, waterside workers throughout New Zealand have worked extended hours on week days, Saturdays and Sundays,” said the Minister. “ During July and August vessels were worked extended hours on 121 occasions. There has been a saving of 77 days during July and August, or a saving in operating costs to the British Ministry of Shipping through quicker despatch of not less than £30,800. “ A set-off against that amount would be the extra cost in overtime, particularly for work done during Saturday evenings and Sundays. On the basis of the total number of extended hours worked by overseas vessels during July and August, the additional overtime cost is estimated not to exceed £IO,OOO. The net saving for the two months would therefore be approximately £20,800.”