BOTH SIDES BLAMED

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 113, 9 November 1929, Page 11

BOTH SIDES BLAMED

THE LAWBEATH DISPUTE

(By Telegraph.)

(Special to "The Evening Post.")

DUNEDIN,

This Day

Not only the watersiders, but the shipowners could be blamed for the hold-up of the Lawbeath," declared a responsible mercantile man in Port Chalmers. In Dunedin a disputes committee was in operation, and the owners had made the mistake in not calling,f or the assistance of the 'committee as soon as the watersiders refused to work the ship. Even up till yesterday the Dunedin Disputes Committee had not been asked to endeavour to bring about a settlement. The vessel was hold up at Port Chalmers, yet all negotiations were being carried out in Wellington.

Those interested) however, arc not idle. As owners azid charterers, the Nauru commissioners and commissioners1 agents had the matter in hand. Kcports that free labour was to be engaged to handle the Lawbeath's cargo are current. Such engagement would make the position one ■ for delicate handling. The captain, stevedores, and agents, however, all stated they knew nothing of free labour being employed. Not for many years has a vessel been held up at Port Chalmers for such a long time, and it is certain that before long steps will be taken to work the cargo. In the meantime the Lawbeath lies at the wharf, costs running up steadily, while the crew of 32 carry out their usual "in port" duties, and many watersiders are awaiting commands from Wellington.