WELLINGTON WATERSIDE

Greymouth Evening Star, 6 September 1934, Page 2

WELLINGTON WATERSIDE

ALL SHIPS IDLED. [PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON, September 5. The trouble with the watersiders has spread, and a number of vessels were affected to-day. This morning, the motor ship Port Hobart, which yesterday was unable to get sufficient labour to work her properly, was made a perference ship. That is, no labour was called for to work any other vessels unless men accepted engagements to work her cargo. No labour was forthcoming. Thus, all of the vessels which had not engaged labour prior to this morning, with the exception of the ferry steamers, were unable to work. A number of coastal vessels are thus being delayed. The -waterside workers met this morning, and it is understood that they submitted proposals to the shipowners, who met during the afternoon. It was not known to-night whether the men will accept work for the Port Hobart to-morrow morning, and until they do so, no fresh labour will be engaged for other vessels. ’ CREW UNLOADS SHIP. WELLINGTON, September 6. The Port Hobart is being discharged to-day, by her crew, and the cargo is being handled on the wharf by Harbour Board employees. The representations made by the Union to the employers, yesterday, were evidently not accepted, and when the call for labour was made this morning, none was available. With the exception of the Lyttelton, Picton and Nelson ferries, all coastal shipping and a number of overseas vessels are idle. The Port Hobart has been declared a preference ship. The position appears unlikely to alter unless a compromise is reached. The trouble originally arose, it is understood, owing to an overtime dispute in connection with the Port Hobart.