WATERSIDE LABOUR.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLI, Issue 9390, 11 December 1920, Page 2

WATERSIDE LABOUR.

THE PROPOSED ASSOCIATION.

OPPOSITION IN AUCKLAND

(Per Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, December 10,

The proposal for the formation of a New Zealand Co-operative Stevedoring Association was considered by the Auckland Chamber of Commerce at a meeting to-day. The following resolution was passed: — " That the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, while in sympathy with the co-operation of labour and capital, is apprehensive of the proposed New Zealand Co-operative Stevedoring Association upon the lines of an agreement published by the New Zealand Welfare League for the following reasons: — " (1) The agreement has been ■'arrived at without any publicity being

given, " (2) The agreement proposes a monopoly of the* handling of cargo, such monopoly to be under control of the shipping companies and Waterside Federation.

" (3) The wharves and plant for the handling of cargo and its temporary", steerage are public property, provided by public money;. *" (4) The fixing of wages, which must ultimately be paid by the public, is left solely in the hands of a monopoly. " (5) Competition for stevedoring is abolished •

" (6) Both parties to the agreement are under suspicion of exploiting the public unduly and unnecessarily, while ■'■Tie party is a declared supporter ot tlio formation of a ' Council of Action,' which is admittedly an attack upon constitutional government. "The: Chamber* therefore calls upon the Government to inquire into the .agreement and terms of the same, and demands that the public, through harbour boards, the merchants, accredited labour unions, and any other individuals or bodies which, can throw any light upon the question, be heard at such inquiry, which must be open to the public and Press of the Dominion."