WATERFRONT HOLD-UP IN AUCKLAND

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 281, 22 August 1940, Page 11

WATERFRONT HOLD-UP IN AUCKLAND

Breach Of Commission’s Order MEN CONCERNED TO BE PENALIZED

Failure to engage in terms of the order of the Waterfront Control Commission provided no justification for the cessation of work by 70 waterside workers at Auckland last Friday, said the Minister of Labour, Mr. Webb, when replying to an urgent question by Mr. Doidge (Opposition, Tauranga). The cessation of work, the Minister said, constituted a breach of the order and those workers, together with the 70 who refused to begin work following engagement the following day, would be penalized by the commission. Mr. Doidge asked whether the Minister, was aware that the Commissioner in Wellington sent to Auckland to deal with the matter simply ordered the original gangs to carry on with the job. “Is this definitely not a departure from the bureau rides, which lay down that men refusing work should be penalized for the length of the job, which, in this case, wotdd have been till August 24?” Mr. Doidge asked. “Will the Minister inform the House what punishment is to be meted out to these men and what steps, if any, the Government intends to take to prevent further trouble of this kind in time of war?”

“The men claim that they were engaged as a ship’s gear gang and therefore should not be called on to work the cranes,” said Mr. Webb. “Under the order of the Commission, which perpetuated the same arrangement as under the .provision of the awards, the men should have been engaged for the ship or for a particular hatch and not as crane or ship’s gear gangs. However, the failure to engage in terms of the order provided no justification for the cessation of work by the men, which in itself constituted a breach of the order of the commission.” Mr. Webb said the commission considered the matter and decided that its orders must be obeyed and consequently ordered the men concerned to return and finish the job for which they were engaged or be excluded from waterfront work. The men returned to work at 8 a.ra. on Monday and the commission would enforce a penalty against all the men concerned in the cessation of work.

“In respect of the bureau rules mentioned, the commission lias legislative and administrative authority,” Mr. Webb said. “Consequently, it cannot be bound by bureau rules made by either or both the parties in the industry as to what penalties are to be inflicted for a breach of its orders.”

WAGES ORDER Position Of Producers And State Servants MEMBER’S QUESTIONS Representations by organizations of civil servants and of producers for increased wages and a premium respectively, following the decision of the Arbitration Court to increase award wages by 5 per cent., have been received by the Government, the Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, informed the House in reply to two urgent questions asked by Mr, Holland (Opposition, Christchurch North).

The first question by Mr. Holland was whether, in view of the Court's recent decision to compensate workers for the increased cost of living, the Government intended to introduce legislation, or make other provision, correspondingly to’ increase the incomes of civil servants and other persons receiving fixed incomes, pensions, etc., so as to compensate them for the increased cost of living. “The railway employees’ organization, the New Zealand Post and Telegraph Employees’ Association, and the Public Service Association,” Mr. Fraser replied, “have already been in consultation with the Government in regard to this matter and it is at present receiving the Government’s close attention.” Mr. Holland: Thanks very much. (Laughter.) The second question was whether the Government intended making provision for paying to farmers and to the producers of goods subject to sale at fixed prices a premium to compensate them for the increased cost of production that would result from the increased wage order. “Representations have already been presented by the producers’ organizations for consideration by the Government,” replied Mr. Fraser. Opposition members; Is that the answer? M E AT REQUIRE M E NTS Negotiations With Home Government NEXT 'SEASON’S NEEDS So far the British Government has not specified its requirements of New Zealand meat next season. This reply was given by the Minister of Marketing, Mr. Nash, to an urgent question asked by Mr. Goosinan (Opposition, Waikato), on behalf of Mr. Broadfoot (Opposition., .Waitomoß The question.

was asked “in view of the contradictory statements circulating regarding the meat position.” Mr. Nash said the contract between the New Zealand and British Governments covering the sale of frozen meat from the production of the current season would terminate on September 30 next. In regard to next season, the Government had. opened negotiations with the British Government, but the latter had not specified its requirements. He hoped to be in a position to make a statement to the House at an early date. “Is the published figure of 10,000 tons of bacon an Imperial stipulation, or is it an estimate compiled within New Zealand?” was another question. Mr. Nash replied that the tonnage was an estimate compiled within New Zealand and which it was hoped would be attained, following an indication received from the British Government that it would like to receive increased supplies of bacon from New Zealand. Mr. Nash was also asked at what point (in the store or shipside) financial funds would be made available to the producer if meat producers were being launched on an increased production campaign as a result of a New Zealand decision.

The Minister said that payment to producers would continue to be made in accordance with the procedure agreed on at the commencement of the current season.

“Unless, there is good reason to the contrary, the New Zealand Government will continue to purchase the meat at f.o.b. (ship’s side),” replied Mr. Nash. “I have already stated that the New Zealand Government desires the maximum production of foodstuffs and that it will buy the exportable surplus for next season at prices to be agreed.” NAVAL RATINGS Expeditionary Force Level Of Pay Sought

A request that steps should be taken to make naval pay and allowances equal the pay of men of the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force was contained in a question, addressed to the Minister of Defence, Mr. Jones, of which Mr. Lee (Democratic Labour, Grey Lynn) gave notice. Mr. Lee will ask the Minister whether he will take steps to see that wherever the pay and allowances of naval ratings are below those of men who enlisted in the Expeditionary Force, the Expeditionary Force rate shall apply.

BROADCAST BY MR. McLAGAN

Query By Mr. Doidge

“The broadcast in question was a strong and eloquent declaration on behalf of the trade union movement in support of New Zealand’s war effort ami of the British cause,” said the Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, replying to Mr. Doidge (Opposition, Tauranga), who had asked: “Why, in view of the admitted need for censorship, the president of the Federation of Labour, Mr. A. McLagan, was permitted, on June 2, the facilities of a national broadcast, in which he made the extraordinary statement that, as a pre-requisite to a National Government in Britain, ‘an incompetent Conservative Government was swept aside’ ” ? Mr. Fraser, in his reply, added that the sentence in question was incidental and relatively not of importance as compared with the clear and definite message of the address as a whole. NOT TO BE WOUND UP Funds Administered By The War Funds Council In view of the fact that, there are still numerous ex-members of the First New Zealand Expeditionary Force in need of assistance, the time is not. opportune for consideration of the wind-ing-up of the funds administered by the National War Funds Council and the various war fund societies established during the Great War of 1914-18. This opinion was expressed by the Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. Parry, replying to a question by Mr. Frost (Government, New Plymouth) on the subject. Mr. Frost said 'the reason for bis question was that a particularly distressing case was recently refused any assistance whatever by the National War Funds Council. The Minister added that “the National War Funds Council has stated that that council is composed of representatives of various patriotic associations from the main centres and members of the Returned Soldiers’ Association. The executive in Wellington comprises two senior officers of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, three members of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association, and two members only representing patriotic associations. Every application is carefully gone into and considered on its merits. In the opinion of the executive it was considered that the applicant, on the grounds set out in the application, was not entitled to a grant of £300.” LEVY ON WOOL No Alteration Proposed

“It would be unfortunate if The Wool Secretariat and the wool councils were compelled, through lack of funds, to relinquish or relax their pub-

licity and organizing work," said the Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Lee Martin, replying to a question by Mr. Kyle (Opposition, Riccarton). Mr. Kyle asked whether, in view of the British Government purchasing the entire wool-clip of the Dominion for the duration of the war and a full year thereafter, the Government would consider the wiping out of the present levy, and thus lessening the costs of the producer. “The war is bound to give a fillip to the use of substitute materials, and it is more important than ever that the use of all classes of wool be encouraged to the fullest extent in the interest ot the woolgrowers,” Mr. Lee Martin said. “The Government does not propose to make any alteration.” RETURNED SOLDIERS? FUNERALS Mr. Doidge’s Allegation PROCEDURE OUTLINED BY MINISTER fi'he question whether, in view of the fact that statutory provision was made for contributing a specified sum for conducting funerals of exservicemen, the Minister of Defence, Mr. Jones, would consider the desirability of ending the system of calling for tenders for such funerals, was asked by Mr. Doidge (Opposition, Tauranga). “.Statutory provision was made lot the expenditure of £l3 on funerals of ex-servicemen, and relatives were free to choose whom they wished to carry out the last, rites,” Mr. Doidge said. “Funeral directors’ associations and returned soldiers’ associations object, to the new system of calling for tenders, under which a sum as low as £8 has been accepted. • 'They protest that burials of soldiers should not be carried out under a method whereby the right to control the arrangements lias been held up for auction and given to the cheapest bidder.” “The present system of calling tenders for funerals of deceased exsoldiers has been in operation since this matter was taken over by the Pensions Department in 1922, and there are no records of complaints received heretofore concerning this procedure,” the Minister replied. “The future procedure in connexion with funerals of returned soldiers whose death is attributable to war service will provide:— “(1) That the full cost of the funeral will not exceed £l3 as allowed under the War Pensions Regulations. “(2) That a polished casket will be provided in all cases. “(3) That all funeral directors, irrespective of whether they belong to the Funeral Directors’ Association or not, will be allowed to participate in the scheme. “(4) That no canvassing will be permitted. “(5) That it will be a breach of the contract by the funeral director in any circumstances to make arrangements or offers that will entail added charges to the relatives of the deceased soldier.” PROPERTY LOSS Cover For War Risk Information as to whether any provision was being made by the Government against damage or other loss in the case of private, business, or public property or persons as a result of war; and, if so, whether the Minister could supply the necessary particulars, was sought by Mr. Carr (Government, Tiinaru) in a question addressed to the Minister in charge of the State Fire Insurance Department, Mr. Nash. Mr. Carr said he was credibly informed that private insurance companies were not accepting proposals for cover against war risk. “I desire to thank the member for raising the question,” Mr. Nash replied. “Though it is unlikely that any procedure for insurance cover on the type of risk suggested will be introduced at present, -the subject is under continuous examination. A sub-committee of Internal Defence in the United Kingdom recommended the deferment of payment 'to met any such loss till after the war. The Government would give consideration, if necessary, to rehousing people affected and to the re-establishment of business or manufacturing establishments immediately essential to the national economy.”

SALE OF FURNITURE

Reported Practice In Letting

Premises

PROVISIONS OF THE ACT A question whether the Minister of Labour, Mr. Webb, was aware of the recurrence of the practice by landlords, when advertising premises to let, of apparently collaborating with outgoing tenants in practically making the new tenancy dependent on the purchase of the furniture of the outgoing tenant; and, if so, whether he would take steps to prevent -this accentuation of the housing difficulty; was asked by Mr. Carr (Government, Timaru). “I am informed that in one such case recently, after purchase, some of the furniture was actually removed without the incoming tenant’s knowledge,” said Mr. Carr.

“The Fair Rents Act, 1936, prohibits the charging of an unreasonable amount for the furniture or fixtures in any dwelling,” Mr. Webb replied. ‘’‘Section 11 (3) provides: ‘Every person

commits an offence who stipulates for or demands or accepts as a condition of the tenancy of any dwellinghouse to which this Act applies, payment for the furniture or fixtures or other el.’-' fects of the dwellinghouse of any sum in excess of the fair selling-value of such furniture, fixtures, or other effects.’

“While business on excessive charge is prohibited, permission to include the sale of these articles as a condition ot the tenancy is in some cases desirable,” the Minister added. “There will be many eases where furnishings and fixtures such as floor-coverings, blinds, and curtains will be of particular value in the house in which they are installed, but practically valueless for removal to any other house. Inspectors are authorized to investigate any complaints made about breaches of this section, and if the honourable member will supply-me with particulars of the case referred to inquiries will be made, and, if necessary, action will be taken.” HEALTH AMENDMENT BILL Administration Provisions POWER TO DEAL WITH OFFENSIVE TRADES Miscellaneous provisions dealing with public health administration are contained in the Health Amendment Bill, which was introduced in the House of Representatives yesterday. The Minister of Health, Mr. Armstrong, explained that several of the clauses simply embodied in legislative form what was already being done by regulation. The Bill was read a second lime pro forma and referred to the Health Committee. The conservation of public health in areas where no local body is operating is to be a function of the Department of Health, which is given power to act in such circumstances as a local authority. Regulations may be made prescribing reasonable fees for collection from owners or occupiers of lands within the area over which the department has jurisdiction in order to recoup expenditure by the department.

The Bill extends the existing powers for dealing with offensive trades, such as those responsible for river pollution. The written consent of the local authority concerned and of the medical officer of health is to be required before an offensive trade can be established, or an extension made to premises in which such trade is carried on. The local authority or the medical officer of health may impose certain conditions. Authority is contained in the Bill for the isolation of carriers of infectious diseases. Quarantine System. The quarantine system in the Dominion is brought into line with modern practice by another clause. The principal Act made it illegal for a ship liable to quarantine to berth without the written authority of the Port Health Officer, but the necessity for authority in writing is now to be removed. Authority can be given in respect of a specified ship on a specified voyage, or it may be given generally in respect of all ships and voyages. Provision is made for the application of quarantine to aircraft. The medical examination of pupils attending private schools is authorized if application for such an examination is made by the controlling authority of the scliooi concerned. Additional powers are given by tiie Bill for the making of regulations dealing with the registration of drainlayers and the removal and disposal of the dead.

The statutory list of infectious diseases is extended to include gonorrhoea, syphilis and soft chancre. Power is given the department to deal with nuisances such as soot, dust, grit, smoke, fumes, and gases. BOROUGH OF THAMES Commissioner Control For Six More Years An extension of commissioner control at Thames for a further six years is provided for in the Thames Borough Commissioner Amendment Bill, which was introduced and read a first time. The Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. Parry, explained that there was also power in the Bill, for the conversion of Thames loans at 3 per cent, over a period of 40 years, the whole of the debt to be repaid in that time. The Minister said the Bill contained clauses .providing for the election of a 'mayoral advisory committee and an extension of the period of operation of the special valuation roll. Reductions iu interest were also validated.' “The main points in the legislation have been agreed to by all the parties concerned,” said Mr. Parry. “Eightytwo per cent, of the debenture-holders have given specific consent to the conversion scheme and less than 2 per cent, have objected.”

LAND FOR HOUSING

Area In Wellington

Legislation validating an agreement between the Wellington City Council, the State Advances Corporation and the Minister of Public Works in respect of 21 acres of land acquired by the city council for the purpose of workers’ dwellings is contained in the Reserves and Other Lands Disposal Bill, introduced yesterday. The council has now agreed, sub-

jeer to certain conditions, to the land being taken for housing purposes under the provisions of the Publie Works Act, 1928, and section 32 of the Statutes Amendment Act, 1930. An agreement, giving effect to this arrangement has been entered into between the parlies concerned. As, however, there is some doubt whether the parties have the necessary statutory powers to enter into the agreement, the clause in the Bill validates the agreement, CARRIAGE BY AIR Internationa] Convention Given Effect To Effect is given to an international convention signed in Warsaw in 1929 for the carriage of persons and goods by air by the Carriage by Air Bill, which was introduced and read a first time yesterday. Long schedules are appended to the Bill defining the scope of its application, both from an international point of view and otherwise. LOCAL LEGISLATION Lease Of Part Of Rongotai Aerodrome LEVIN WATER SUPPLY The period of appointment of the commissioner for the County of Matakaoa, which expires in May next, is extended for a further period of three years in the Local Legislation Bill,, introduced yesterday. • The commissioner is stated to have done good work in stabilizing the -position iu this county and at present administration is proceeding very smoothly. The Government, the members of the Matakaoa County Council, and the settlers generaliv feel that it would not be in the best’interests of the county for. a return to be made to normal council control at present and accordingly desire the commissioner to remain in control for a further period. Aircraft Factory. Another clause validates the lease of portion of Rongotai Aerodrome to the De Havilland Aircraft Company' of New Zealand, Limited. In 1939 negotiations took place between the Wellington City Council and the De-Havilland Aircraft Company iu connexion with the granting of a lease of portion of the Rongotai Aerodrome to the company for the purpose ot manufacturing and servicing aircraft and aircraft-engines. The proposals were discussed with the Government, and as it was considered in the public interest that a business of this nature should 'be established an indication was given that no objection would be raised to the promotion of special legislation for the purpose of validating the action of the council in granting a lease of the area concerned to fhe company. Normally such a lease would require to be put up for public auction, but in view of the fact that the area could only be used for some purpose connected 'with aviation it was agreed that the usual tender should be dispensed with. An agreement was duly executed between the council and the company providing for the leasing of the area for a term of 21 years at a yearly rental of £l2O, with the right to the company to apply for a further lease, of 21 years at. the expiration of the first term. The works of the company have been in operation for some time, and it has become necessary for staff quarters to be erected for use in conjunction with the aircraft factory. In order to enable this building to be erected the company has requested the council to grant a lease of an additional area adjoining the present factory site. The council has agreed provisionally to lease the area required at an annual rental of £74 for a term of 20 years, with a right of renewal for a further term of 21 years. The purpose of the legislation is to validate the lease already granted to the company, and to authorize the council to grant a further lease in respect of the area required for stalf quarters. Air Force Training School. A further clause authorizes the Levin Borough Council to raise a loan of £16,000 for extending the watersupply system. The borough council desires to extend the system for the purpose, inter alia, of providing an adequate water supply to the Royal New Zealand Air Force Ground Training School at Levin. The work is essential and is being heavily subsidized by the Government on account of the Government’s direct interest in the. ■scheme. In view of the urgent necessity for going ahead with this scheme it is desired that the borough council have power to raise this loan without the necessity for a poll of ratepayers, and this is the purpose of the clause. The loan will require the sanction of the Local Government Loans Board in the ordinary way.