REFUSED WORK AFTER MIDNIGHT

Evening Star, Issue 23620, 5 July 1940, Page 11

REFUSED WORK AFTER MIDNIGHT

EXPORT PRODUCE LEFT OH WHARF SIX WATERSIDE GANGS DISOBEY ORDER [Per United Press Association.] AUCKLAND, July 4. As a result of the waterside workers refusing to. work past midnight yesterday a vessel loading produce for England by way of New Zealand coastal ports had to leave Auckland with more than 200 tons of cargo left lying in the wharf sheds. ■ , The cargo consists largely of cornea beef and primary produce of other descriptions. It is possible that the cargo may be shipped at a southern port. It was stated that about 120 watersidor .workers, working in six gangs, were affected by their own’ decision not to work-the vessel, They commenced work at 8 o’clock yesterday morning and were requested to complete the loading of the vessel, which was considered urgent, even if the time necessary went past midnight. It is stated that at a meeting among themselves the workers stated definitely that if all. the cargo was not on board, by midnight they would .cease loading. They Ikept to their word, and were' approached by the port authorities, wno ordered them to work the necessary extra, time, about two 1 or three hours at the most. The men realised, and the vessel had to sail without her full cargo, Another vessel, which also sailed, was fortunate enough to have all her cargo on board. "—; “ j NATIONAL SERVICE MOVEMENT OFFERS MEN As a result of the failure of some of the Auckland waterside workers to continue loading an English ship after midnight the National Servicei Movement has made an offer to the Government to supply man power in such an emergency. . The director of the movement, Mr F. W. Laurie, to-day sent the following telegram.to the Prime Minister:— “ We can arrange for men to ’ load ships at Auckland in hny emergency. There is no need for ships to leave produce behind.”