TRACTORS ON WHARVES

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29221, 3 June 1960, Page 10

TRACTORS ON WHARVES

Contract Rates Discussed

The rate of payment to contractors working on the Lyttelton wharves as a result of the electric capstans being put out of action by the recent tidal disturbances was discussed between the contractors and executive officers of the Lyttelton Harbour Board yesterday. It is believed that a stoppage of work was threatened if the contractors’ demands were not met.

Contractors are engaged, with tractors and drivers, to work at the port until the capstans are repaired or replaced. The contractors, who were engaged at Ministry of Works rates, considered that the special conditions at the port warranted increased payments. The secretary-manager of the board (Mr A. L. Burk) said that work had proceeded satisfactorily to date. “At the discussion certain proposals were submitted to the owners and drivers but as yet no reply has been received,” he said last evening. The chairman of the Lyttelton branch of the New Zealand Port Employers’ Association (Mr H. G Edwards) said that he had no comment to make. “In the meantime, the position is entirely the responsibility of the Harbour Board and the contractors.” he said.

Mr G. F. Phillips, chairman of the Christchurch branch of the Overseas Ship Owners' Committee. said there had been no actual stoppage. “The dispute is a matter for the Harbour Board; they engaged the tractors,” he said.