SETTLEMENT HOPE

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 122, 18 February 1944, Page 6

SETTLEMENT HOPE

Work May Resume Today (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, February 18. Though official confirmation could not be obtained tonight it urns stated in reliable quarters that steps had been taken which will terminate the deadlock on the waterfront and permit of the resumption of cargo operations on all ships tomorrow. It was learned that the ship over which the dispute originated had been moved to a fresh berth which would involve the fixing of its gangway to the wharf in a new,position. In the event of it being -fixed to the satisfaction of the waterside workers and they sire prepared to use the gangway and work the vessel, then labour will be called for all other ships which have been idle. A meeting of the Auckland Trades Council of the Federation of Labour was held tonight. It is understood the waterside dispute was fully discussed. The president, Mr. F. Craig, said he could make uo official statement on the report that the dispute had been adjusted. He said events at’ the waterfront in the morning would indicate whether progress had been made. The president of the Auckland Waterside Workers’ Union, Mr. H. -Barnes, also declined to make any comment on the position. The waterfront controller, Captain Sfanich, explained that the vessel over which the dispute had arisen had been shifted to another wharf in accordance with necessary berthing arrangements for other ships. He anticipated therefore that the gangway dispute could no longer apply. When asked whether this meant that work would now be resumed on the waterfront Captain Stanieh said the waterside workers union had already announced that men were prepared to work all ships if the gangway was made safe. He anticipated normal working conditions would be resumed tomorrow.