Waterfront Dispute

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30576, 20 October 1964, Page 16

Waterfront Dispute

Sir, —Reading today that the Christchurch watersiders were on strike over loading tallow, I am amazed that the watersiders, working men like every other worker in New Zealand, couldn’t care less that the action they take affects every individual in New Zealand. The cost of living rises because they refuse to work. The postmen, milkmen, bread deliverers, coalmen, are all essential to our way of life. If they stopped work because of rain, etc., it would disrupt the watersiders’ way of life. Isn’t it time that they woke up to the fact that they are being a menace? Unionism is good. Why let it be a . . .—Yours, etc., STRANGLEHOLD. October 19, 1964.

Sir,—The present trouble on the Lyttelton waterfront has been deliberately instigated by the employers, who want another 1951 lock-out so they can force their so-called streamlining policy on the watersiders. Those who resist would be replaced by nonunionists under contract. The Government is openly supporting the port employers, as was indicated by Mr Shand’s stagemanaged visit to the Wellington waterfront. This is intimidation, and if a snap election is held, as in 1951, Labour will become the Government as the public abhor such treatment of workers by employers.—Yours, etc., DISILLUSIONED NATIONALIST. October 19, 1964.