THE WANGANELLA DISPUTE

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25177, 7 May 1947, Page 5

THE WANGANELLA DISPUTE

STATEMENI SOUGHT FROM MINISTER COMMENT BY EMPLOYERS’ REPRESENTATIVE WELLINGTON. May 6. “No statement has yet been made by the Crown as ■to what steps are being taken to ensure that work on the Wanganellai proceeds’’ said Mr L. R. James, manager of the Metal Trades* Employers’ Association in Wellington to-day “Each day the reputation of New Zealand sinks lower and lower in the eyes of the overseas authorities. Slowly but surely the reputation of New Zealand for speedy ship repairs, achieved during the war, is melting away. Who is responsible? Is it the employers who refuse to pay 6s an hour plus award rates, for every bit of work done for the repair of a ship, whether on the dock, in the workshops or even in the factory which produces a nail for the repair of the furniture?

“Is it the employees who declined employment on the ship as soon as the chairman of the tribunal ruled that hearing of their claims would be made open to the press and the public?

“Is it the Crown which remains silent since the adjournment of the tribunal and neglects to perform its public duty? “It is the considered opinion of the Metal Trade Employers’ Association that the Minister in charge could do much to pave the way by clarifying the Government’s attitude and a statement from the Minister would remove any suggestion of Government apathy in the matter.”