WATEBSIDE WORK.

Press, Volume L, Issue 15017, 11 July 1914, Page 6

WATEBSIDE WORK.

SCHEME FOB BETTEE CO-TTBOL THE WELLINGTON PBOPOSALS. (•■REiS _-_CI_TIO.S* -StXJDGnAU.) WECLINGTON, July 10* A conicrence was held on Wednesday bet-Teen tho executive of the Wharf Labourers' Union and Mr Bennett, tho newly-appointed manager of tho Maritime' Employers' Association (just formed), and Mr W. Pryor, Becrct-ry of the Employers' Association. At that meotins the following questions wero put by the executive of the Union, and answered by Mr Bennett. Wliat number do you proposo to take into tho register r—Between 1000 and 1100. ,"_•*. Wliat do you propose to adopt as t_o minimum living wage;-—£2 &> l«r ■week (.tho executive recommended X--10s). Will the men be hold reiponsible u> h<i in atteii<_nce every nn-" le,*-s they havo mado otber arrangeinenta -with their employers, should they not turn up when called, \ipon, .the time they lose will be counted against them. What number of new mori will be taken on:-" —Practically all that aro at present on tho preference list. Aro you prepared t- use your influoaco'to see that all nice taken on the repibter aro financial members of tho Union ?-+l will assist tho secretary as far *s possible in this respect. What position will the Harbour Board employees be in_-~They will bo practically on tho same tooting.* Aro you prepared to aHow this schotno to be discussed by the members at a meeting called for that purposse ?—We have no objection. If a deputation is appointed at euch meeting to meet you will you r-ceh*e them ? —Conditionally, yes ; that is to say. if they havo any gen nine business j to discuss. ' I In what manner Trill the employees re- I ceivo information that thoy are on tho register?—By a list placorl on the no- j tico-board at tho office. Supposing you deoido to reduce tho number on tho register, how will it be done? —By calling on tho employers concerned so to do. What method will bo adopted in putting on labour?— That is not yot arranged. All labour -will be put on at on© place. Will cargo and coal workers be expected to work at all classes of work ? —Thoy will be kept separate ac far aa I possible, but we oxpect the men in I their own interests to accept work when offered. What protection or r__r©B_ will thmen get from being vtctimi-od P—By applying to tho manager, who will at once take action, or, if noee__ary, by applying to the Appeal Board. . 'What method will be adopt_d in pick--ing th© men for the .-Krister?—The companies will havo the absolute right to nominate their own irion.' What have you decided to charge th© employees for the token?— Two shillings and sixpence, to bo refunded when the token is returned. .So far as the details of the scheme aro at present known", the ase-cu"'v**> of tho Wharf Labourers' Union, £""*"ter ,a lengthy discussion, passed a resolution heariilv approving of it. Mr E. J. Jones, the secretary, -_ys that the execntive has been informed that £3 Ss is su_ee-ted* as the minjmu M weekly wage. The executive BUggosfe that it should be _3_* 10_, it, of cour-e,-beinc- distinctly understood, that the minimum wage does not mean the rmaxunana wace that may bo eai-nod. T .J? ••wofiotivo hopes that the £2 10s j .will bo granted.