SETTLEMENT NO NEARER THE METALS MARKET

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21867, 21 August 1936, Page 13

SETTLEMENT NO NEARER

THE METALS MARKET

MANAGER'S COMMENT ON TRAWLING DISPUTE “RECEIVED NO WARNING HOLD-UP”

There is still no sign of a settlement in the dispute between the crews of the Lyttelton trawlers, Phyllis and Muriel, and the owners, FFeron and Son. The only- development yesterday was the intervention of the Labour Department by way of an investigation of the wages paid in 193 L It is asserted, however, by the manager of the employing firm, Mr E. J. Newman, that wages and conditions played no part in the origin of the dispute. “The sole matter referred to me was the question of Sunday work,” said Mr "Newman. “There was never any mention to me of wages or conditions, and in any case such questions would necessarily be settled when an award is granted. So far as the present wages - and conditions are concerned, those prevailing in Lyttelton, although on t • different basis, compare very favourably with thos existing in Wellington and Auckland.” * Describing the hold-uo of the two trawlers as one of the worst crimes* among sea-faring men, Mr Newman said Sunday’s incident had occurred without any warning. “The Phylhs was ready for sea, and the erbw were waiting to cast oft the moorings when a man on the Muriel signalled- One of the Phyllis’s crew wait across to

the other trawler, and there was a short discussion, after which the man returned to the Phyllis and conferred with his shipmates. They then wait in a body to the Muriel, and on their returnto the Phyllis they told the trawling master that they would not sail cm a Sunday unless they received double pay.” South Tgfgjia Practice Mr Newman said it had been the practice in the South Island for ail

filing boats to commence their week on a Sunday and finish fishing on a Thursday night This ensured a supnly of fresh fish throughout toe week from Monday to Friday. Sa today being the half-holiday, very Me fish was required by the trade, with the result that tor part of the year no market was held on a Saturday in either Christchurch or Dunedin, and at most off limes only a skeleton market was conducted. H the trawlers were to commence their week on Monday am finish on Friday night no fresh fish could reach the market on Monday from either vessel, but the catches from both boats would be dumped w necessity on the market on Saturday mornings, at the very time when the demand was practically non-existent • “The men know this, yet at railing time on Sunday morning, they delivered an ultimatum to the skmpera _ to the effect that they wanted a Monday to Friday fishing week and dodfle time for Sunday fishing. To wall until

casing time and thus hold up a vessel is universally regarded as unfair tactics, as also is a demand for donate pay for a recognised working iter- I met; the men at once and explained the difficulties which would confront us if their demands were acceded to. and ngirpd them to give the owners a reasonable chance to carry on on a payable basis. Subsequently, I arranged with the trawling master to give them further time, till 8 am the following

day, to reconsider their decision, and to come back on a share basis, otherwise I would have no option hut to engage new crews. The time limit was further extended to 11 am on Monday but the men remained obdurate. I then engaged other men to take the Phyllis to sea.” The Phyllis remained at her berth yesterday, and it is understood there is little likelihood of her leaving port again this week.

PRICE OF GOLD LONDON, August 19. Gold is quoted at £6 18s 2d a fiaif ounce.. PRICE OF SILVER LONDON, August 19. Silver is quoted at 19Jd a fine cnmO for both spot and forward. STUDHOLME STOCK SALE

There vrefe no lat sheep forward at yesterday’s stock sale at Studholme tion. but the small yarding of store sheep offered met with a keen demand, and prices were satisfactory to vendors A line of 106 s.m. ewes sold at 295, 15 tsau Aves fetched 21s 2d. and «* 6d. 19 'wether hoggets made 15s lid. X» offering of fat cattle was of yrticularly good duality, and same prtcw were revised. « fetching tW 2s 6d. D-lry cattle and store cows also with a readv sale. Pat cows m de 17s 6d to £7 12s 6d. to £5 7s store cows at £3 W in £3 to £4 ss, f~t heifers £3 ITS to £8 2s 6d, fatsteera Ms Mto HU m M» and wmumm mm m am

(CTHITID mSS A*«OOATIO»—COPfmiCpilJ LONDON, , August 19. August 18. August la. Copper— £ s. d. £ s. d. Standard, spot 38 3 38 3 U Forward 38 8 9 38 S 1J Electrolytic .. to 42 0 43 0 0 0 42 5 0 42 15 0 Wire bars • • 43 0 0 42 15 0 Lead — 16 13 9 16 15 0 Spot Forward 16 11 16 13 3 9 Spelter9 13 8 9 Soot 13 8 Forward 13 15 0 13 15 0 Tin— ■Spot Forward 181 5 178 2 0 6 184 10 0 181 7 6 SilverFine, per oz. 19 7-16d 191d Standard, per 20id oz. 21d