Waterfront Dispute

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30586, 31 October 1964, Page 14

Waterfront Dispute

Sir, —The wharf labourers are put out by the bulk handling of tallow and consequent loss of jobs, but the annual increases in farm produce for export and the increases in imports must more than make up for the loss of time on tallow handling. There is one answer to the present dispute and to all others: the words of Jesus Christ when He said, “Let he who is without sin throw the first stone.” We in New Zealand need not be proud of our working record when there are people in all walks of life not pulling their weight whether it be farmers or wage-earners. Let us all get to it together and make New Zealand the place it ought to be.—Yours, etc., WORKING FARMER. October 28, 1964.

Sir,—lt was with relief that I viewed our watersiders returning to work this morning. The terms agreed upon are not known at the time of writing, but I believe they will be fair to both parties. There has been a lot of publicity over this tallow dispute, but I am not green enough to believe that that is the real cause of over 500 men risking financial setbacks and possible embarrassment. In the port there are rumours to the effect that the main issue is to start shift work going on the wharves for less money. I would be interested to hear from Mr J. Twomey if this rumour has any truth in it.— Yours etc NOT A WHARFIE’S WIFE. October 29, 1964. [One of the recommendations that came out of the report by the Producer Boards’ Shipping Utilisation Committee was for shift work on the wharves, said the secretary of the Lyttelton branch of the Port Employers’ Association (Mr J. Twomey) yesterday. There would not be less money for the hours worked, he said. Mr Twomey said that negotiations were taking place in Wellington at present for a new order. One of the submissions by the employers was for shift work. The tribunal’s main order, which governed conditions on the waterfront, had expired. The Wellington negotiations were by national representatives of both parties. No doubt the answer to the question of overtime would be made available when the negotiations were completed. The employers’ submissions for overtime were aimed at increasing the turn-round of shipping to the benefit of the country.]