STEAMERS HELD UP.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19613, 8 May 1929, Page 10

STEAMERS HELD UP.

STRIKE AT NEW PLYMOUTH. (press association tolxobam.) NEW PLYMOUTH, May 7. Cargo operations on the liner Botorua and the tramp steamer Tregenna were held up all day to-day owing to a dispute between the Bailway Department and the men receiving cargo into the trucks from the ships' holds. On starting work on the Tregenna this morning the men who are employed by the raif ways demanded that two "sheeters" (men employed covering the loaded trueks with tarpaulins) should be employed for each truek working, instead of three for each two trucks as at present. The Department claimed that the present provision was ample. The men thereupon struck, and the men similarly employed with the Botorua strnek ia sympathy, go that operations had to be suspended on both ships. The steamer Rarawa was worked by nonunion labour and was not affected. A large quantity of frozen lrifeat from Waitara and Patea was held up, some on the wharves, and some being taken into the Moturoa cool stores.

A conference of an parties was held to-night m camera, and at a late hour dispersed with "nothing to report " so it is assumed that work will not be recommenced to-morrow morning.