NAPIER HARBOR BOARD.

NZ Truth, Issue 73, 10 November 1906, Page 5

NAPIER HARBOR BOARD.

MORE ABOUT THE BOSS SWEATING SHOP OF N.Z.

Commenting upon the exposure m "Truth a few weeks back, of what the Napier Harbor Board expected a cheap clerk to perform, a correspondent writes ".—Regarding your remarks a few weeks back about the Napier Harbor Board, I can give you a few more particulars about the duties required of a clerk, to that institution. I was employed by that body for 5 years, Mr J. P. Kenny having the honor of being secretary during that period. I started at a salary of £24 per annum, and finished up at £65. t was supposed to be a messenger at the start, but before long my duties were typist, weighbridge clerk, assistant tally, clerk, assistant cargo delivery,' clerk, assistant wharfage and assistant raste clerk. As weighbridge clerk I had frequently to go without 1 a halfholiday, and to work until 7, 8, 9, and sometimes 10 o'clock at night, starting very often at 7 and 7.30 a.m. Then at the breakwater I have m one or, two instances worked till 10 and 11 p.m., twice till midnight, and once till 2.30 am. on a Sunday morning. I received no overtime, but 14 days holiday a year. In 1905, two out of the staff of 11 received this holiday. The language we had to put up with from one official was very choice, and such as cannot T» written. Things got too lively about August, when the tally clerk at the breakwater left (through his own fault, though) ; then the assistant wharfinger went, too, after an argument with the secretary, the latter spraining his thumb m the discussion. I was ■ the next to go. The first week m the new year (1906) we were all told to make no evening engagements, as we were required back at the office every night. This wouldn't suit me, so when. I refused to go back one night, I was told by the secretary not to come back at all. This I did, and I received a letter next day, asking me to . explain my absence, and answered telling the secretary that he told me to stop away altogether. He wrote st~ + ;ng, my "resignation" (?) was accepced, and that the statements m my letter were contrary to fact. At the ond of the month I (received only one week's salary. I don't know whether I am entitfed to any more, but I don't feel inclined to trouble them for it. The secretary told me I would regretleaving such a "good" billet, but I am a.t present m a much better one, and doing tip-top. Since I left, three other clerics have left also. I believe now all the hands are compelled to sign for a year's engagement.