CONSTANT HOLD-UPS

Evening Star, Issue 25770, 17 April 1946, Page 10

CONSTANT HOLD-UPS

TIME TO SIFT CAUSES (P.A.) AUCKLAND, April 16. A searching public inquiry into the causes of stoppages and discontent on the waterfronts of the Dominion is to be suggested by the Auckland Harbour •Board to the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser. In a draft of a letter which was discussed by the board and was referred to a sub-committee to make minor amendments, the board stated that it would gladly co-operate, and urged the necessity of immediate action. The board was deeply concerned at the continued unnecessary delays and interruptions which had resulted in the disorganisation of industry and the withholding of urgently needed supplies to Britain. No expense had been spared by the board in providing up-to-date wharves and mechanical equipment for the rapid handling of cargo, and it had recently authorised the expenditure of a large sum to improve and enlarge the accommodation for waterside workers. Unfortunately, far from being improved, the rate of cargo handling was slower than it had ever been, the letter continued, and the board was seriously alarmed at the costly and wasteful effects of the slow and intermittent working which had developed and appeared to be growing worse. It was felt that the situation could not be allowed to continue drifting from bad to worse, and that the time had arrived for an inquiry to evolve methods of restoring contentment and industry on the waterfronts throughout the Dominion. The chairman, Mr J. T. Frater, said that the recent Auckland waterfront hold-up had given members a good deal of worry and concern. On two earlier occasions representations had been made to the Government and he thought they should now be made more forcibly. " The time has arrived when some steps must be taken to stop-hold-ups," said Mr J. B. Donald. " They cannot be allowed to go on. The trade of New Zealand will not be able to carry on if we have a continuance of what has been happening over the last few months." The draft of the letter was referred to a sub-committee to discuss amendments to the references to disagreements between the workers and the employers.