WATERFRONT WORK

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 3, 3 July 1940, Page 9

WATERFRONT WORK

WELLINGTON INCLUDED

The Minister of Labour (the Hon. P. C. Webb) announced last night that the Waterfront Commission had made arrangements for the co-operative contract system of loading and unloading of all overseas ships to operate at Wellington from July 10 and at Bluff and Timaru from July 15. Negotiations are being carried out for the adoption of the system in other ports.

"The commission is confident that the extension of the contract system to other shipping is only a matter of time," said Mr. Webb. Only that morning he had discussed all phases of the waterfront position with the commission, which had expressed itself highly delighted with the results so far achieved.

Needless to say, much organisation remained to be done, and the introduction of the new system of co-operative contract work would take some time. However, it was gratifying to know that the commission had arranged for contract work at Wellington, Timaru, and Bluff, and that the system was likely to be introduced in other ports.

In order to expedite shipping and to have a speedier turn round of ships, the commission, the Minister said, had arranged for the waterside workers to work extended time, including Saturdays and Sundays. More than 70 vessels had been worked extended time, and on every occasion on which the commission had approached the workers their co-operation in pushing the work along had been given wholeheartedly.

"I am personally delighted with the progress that has been made," said Mr. Webb, "and I am confident of the ultimate success of the co-operative contract system, which will bring everlasting benefits to the men who do the work and to the country."