ACCOMMODATION FOR WATERSIDERS

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24799, 13 February 1946, Page 5

ACCOMMODATION FOR WATERSIDERS

PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS DISCUSSED (P.A.) WELLINGTON, February . 12. Accommodation facilities for waterside workers at New Zealand ports were discussed at a conference in Wellington of representatives of the Harbour Boards’ Association, the Waterfront Control Commission, the Marine Department, the Waterside Workers’ Union, and shipping interests. The chairman of the Waterfront Control Commission, Captain R. E. Price, said the waiting rooms at many of the ports were inadequate in size and of a poor standard, while there was also insufficient locker accommodation. Auckland was one of these ports. Canteen facilities were also discussed. The conference agreed that the amenities at many ports left much to be desired. It was agreed that Wellington had gone farther than most ports in supplying necessary amenities, but even at that port there was room for improvement in some respects. The conference appointed a committee to go into the apportionment of the cost of providing the amenities required. The committee will meet some time this month. In the interim urgent minor repairs are to be carried out. The programe is to consider immediate needs and a long-term plan.