RECEIVING AND DELIVERY

Evening Star, Issue 22684, 25 June 1937, Page 2

RECEIVING AND DELIVERY

CONTRACT PRICE INCREASED COMPANIES m WORKERS' ACCIDENT An adjustment in the receiving and delivery contract to provide for increased costs was made by the Otago Harbour Board last night, when Mr D. Copland criticised the action of the insurance companies over accident to workers’ risks. He declared that the companies, by increasing their premiums, were prepared to take all and give nothing. Tho secretary (Mr Janies Benton) recommended that, as the receiving and delivery contract with John Mill and Son had to be adjusted in consequence of the increased rates of pay to waterside workers, tally clerks, etc., the increase ire 2i{d per ton from October 1, 1936, to April 1, 1937, and by 3|d per ton from May 1. 1937. This, he considered, was a fair adjustment in the terms of the contract.

Tho present contract provides for adjustment, consequent on any increase or adjustment of tbo contract price, of the ruling rates for insurance accident, and Mr D. Copland complained that only two insurance companies recognised payment on a 44-hour week. Tho others claimed that they had to pay on a 40-hour week. While the board might be prepared to recompense tho stevedore and to pay a larger premium on tho wages earned, the insurance companies denied, in the meantime, that they had to pay other than above a 44-hour basis. The insurance companies were prepared to take all—and give nothing. ‘‘Who aro you looking at?” asked Mr J. H. Duncan, while Mr Copland was speaking. Mr Duncan said he could make a lengthy argument in reply to Mr Copland. Tho fact remained that the insurance companies had put up their premiums, owing to the liability placed on them by tho Law Reform Act, Jet alone the Workers’ Compensation Act. The point raised by Air Copland was a very knotty one, and hours of argument woultl bo needed to settle it. Mr A. Campbell, M.P.: Would you get any further if you argued it for a week ? Mr Duncan: No. Tho secretary’s minute was adopted.