WATERFRONT METHODS

Greymouth Evening Star, 11 March 1939, Page 2

WATERFRONT METHODS

TRANSPORT CONTROL- BOARDS. [pek press association.) WELLINGTON. March JU. The establishment, of waterfront transport, control boards was decided upon to-day, by a. special committee appointed from the- conference which iin-l, yesterday to discuss proposals for an improvement in handling cargo at New Zealand ports. The- committee will meet again to-morrow morning, io give further consideration to the duties of these boards.

,\l iho conclusion of to-day’s deliberations. the Minister for Labour i.’dr. Webb), who presided, said that many phases of waterfront work had l-.ecn discussed. A helpful spirit had prevailed. and it was evident to him that, lite parties concerned were anxious to improve- lhe conditions existing on the waterfront. Excellent progress was made.

‘‘After considerable discussion." said Mr. Webb, “it was resolved to sit up a Waterfront Transport Control Board, consisting of three representatives from each side, who will have power to appoint tin independent. chairman. Each main port will have a local board, consisting: of four members, two from each side, with an independent chairman. The. committee will meet again to-morrow morning, to decide the ditties these boards will undertake." Asked if legislation would be necessary before such, hoards could be c: tablished. Mr. Webb replied that iioiie would be required. However, if events proved lhe necessity for legislation to give the boards statutory [mwers, he would have- no hesitation in recommending to the Cabinet that this course should be taken.

“I am personally convinced." said the Minister, “that the work of these hoards will produce excellent results, and remove many of the misunderstandings that create the stoppages that prove so wasteful to the community as a whole., and that they will engender a better spirit, of co-operation along with a realisation of the industry’s responsibility to lhe country."