WATERFRONT DISPUTE

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 25061, 18 December 1946, Page 6

WATERFRONT DISPUTE

Mr Holland Advocates Conference TELEGRAM TO MR FRASER In view of the seriousness and urgency of the waterfront dispute, the Leader of the Opposition (Mr S. G. Holland) yesterday telegraphed to the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser) urging him to summon a conference of representative interests to examine the situation and to endeavour to find a solution, unless the Prime Minister, contemplated a settlement during the next day or two. Mr Holland suggested that the following interests be invited to the proposed conference: the Government, the watersiders, the Federation of Labour, the shipping industry, primary producers, and the Parliamentary Opposition “representing .as it does over half a million electors in New Zealand.” The telegram sent by Mr Holland read:— ‘‘The continuation of the present shipping crisis is paralysing trade throughout New Zealand. Huge quantities of urgently needed goods are awaiting shipment at various ports, and enormous losses, which must be borne by the people, are being made. “Last week, widespread appeals were made, and are still being made, to provide food for the people of Britain. The Government has frequently appealed for more production, but those who wish to respond to those appeals are becoming disheartened, discouraged, and disgusted that their efforts are frustrated and nullified by the present situation. “It is reported that food ships are being diverted from New Zealand because of the conditions prevailing here, and I am informed that precious refrigerated shipping space, brought to New Zealand to carry away perishable foodstuffs, is being loaded with wool because food cannot be loaded. “The present situation has continued for some weeks and, apart from one or two meagre newspaper announcements, the public is unaware of the steps being taken to restore order out of the present chaotic situation.”