WATERSIDERS PUT OFF

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29232, 16 June 1960, Page 14

WATERSIDERS PUT OFF

48 Affected In Wellington

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, June 15. With three ships in Wellington affected by the ban on export meat products, 48 registered watersiders were turned away from work on the Wellington wharves today. This means they can claim only their attendance money of 14s each, two hours at minimum rates, plus 3d an hour equity pay. Mr F. A. Conlon, assistantgeneral secretary of the New Zealand Port Employers’ Association, said these men would almost certainly have been engaged if the ships affected—the Rangitiki, Persic, and Mystichad been able to load meat products.

Altogether 15 ships are affected throughout New Zealand, four having sailed with short cargo in the last two days, with a resulting loss in wages for some watersiders in different ports. A small number of ships, however, is still able to load a little general cargo. The ports affected are Auckland (two ships), Opua (one), Napier (three). Wellington (three), Port Chalmers (one). Timaru (two), Bluff (two) and New Plymouth (one). When Mr F. P. Walsh, president of the Federation of Labour, announced the ban, he said the waterside workers’ unions would support it. The ban has apparently not affected the loading of meat for consumption on voyage, which nas been treated as domestic consumption.