WATERFRONT ACCIDENTS

Evening Star, Issue 25172, 11 May 1944, Page 3

WATERFRONT ACCIDENTS

COMMITTEE OF UNION TO INVESTIGATE (P.A.) WELLINGTON, M ay 10. The accident rate on the waterfront and the measures to be taken to reduce it, were discussed at the monthly meeting of the Wellington. Waterside Workers' Union to-day. It was stated by Mr T. Hill, national secretary of the union, following the meeting, that the National Disputes Committee was investigating the question and that a deputation had met the Minister of Marine, Mr O'Brien. Mr Hill said that the union was awaiting the result of a report to be submitted to Mr O'Brien by the officers of the Marine Department, but as it was not known how long it would be in forthcoming the union believed that some immediate action should be taken to alleviate the present position. The meeting that morning had decided that a committee should bo set up comprising members of the local union and the national secretary to bring down a report as to what part the waterside workers should play in avoiding accidents. The men appoiuted to the committee wero experienced and competent waterside workers and had been in the industry, for many years, and Mr Hill said that the union was of opinion that their report would at, least show that the union was vitally interested in the protection of the life and limb of its members. What form the recommendations might take could not be stated as yet, as members of the union would bo bringing evidence before the committee. " The union is anxiously awaiting the report from the Marino Department," Mr Hill said, " and it trusts that the request of the union for a cpminission will be granted." The meeting had also discussed a comprehensive report of the recent meeting of the National Executive dealing with matters of vital importance to members throughout New Zealand. The report was adopted unanimously. " The unity that exists throughout the union to-day reflects great credit on the members of the organisation," said Mr Hill. " The waterside workers realise that, despite the hostile criticism to which they have been subjected, that criticism has strengthened the determination of the union to see that the promises loudly made when danger was threatening these shores are fulfilled." He pointed out that a number of letters had been received from members of the union serving overseas, and all expressed the expectation (hat labour conditions would improve, so that when they relumed they would be assured of a reasonable standard of living.