Plans To Unload Polymer

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31060, 16 May 1966, Page 1

Plans To Unload Polymer

(N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, May 15. Polmyer needed to produce nylon at the Shannon plant of Enzlon Chemical Fibres, Ltd., is still not likely to be unloaded from a freighter until Thursday. Watersiders will begin un-j loading goods from the No.| 2 hold of the vessel Tysla tomorrow morning, but Customs agents said they did not think the polymer would be reached for at least three days. The polymer is the first consignment of raw material from the German firm of B.A.S.F. Two technicians from the firm, due to arrive on Saturday to supervise initial production from the polymer, are expected in Wellington tomorrow. An offer by the 140 employees of the Enzlon nylon factory at Shannon, to help unload the polymer, was described by a Wellington watersiders’ spokesman yesterday as “not practical.” A statement issued by the employees said they had agreed unanimously to assist “in any way possible” to speed up delivery of the material to the plant, subject

to the approval of all unions and employers involved.

“With confidence in our acquired knowledge of this new material we feel that speed is essential, not only in the interest of the shareholders, but also that of the employees and their families,” the statement said. A spokesman from the Wellington Amalgamated Water-

side Workers’ Union said, however, that having factory employees come to the wharves to lift their own cargo “would be like going batk to the days of the Army.” “All labour is engaged from the bureau,” he said. “When our men are available we will work. If there is any casual work to be done it is for the seagulls, or non-union men,

and even they have to hold a ticket.”

An application to have the Tysla made a “preference” ship over others in port waiting for labour by the port agents (Messsr G. H. Scales) was turned down by the New Zealand Port Employers. The ship arrived at Wellington on Friday with 470 drums of polymer. The drums are. stowed at the bottom of one of the hatches.

Mr L. J. Lyons, managingdirector of Lyons Carrying Company whose trucks will be transporting the chemical to the factory, said all that was wanted was a gang of 10 men to work the one hatch.