N.Z. WATERFRONT

Grey River Argus, 15 March 1940, Page 12

N.Z. WATERFRONT

Inquiry into Conditions [Per Press Association]. WELLINGTON, March 14. Hon. P. C. Webb, interviewed, said that rhe inter-departmental committee, presided over by Mr. R. E. Price, which had been appointed to investigate conditions of employment on the waterfronts and to suggest to the Government methods that might lead to an improvement, had been at work for several weeks. That committee’s report was now to hand, and notwithstanding its confidential nature, the Government had decided to hand copies to both the shipowners and the waterside workers’ executive to study the contents and to make any suggestions that would be helpfui. This both sides agreed to do. and there was yesterday a conference of representatives of shipowners and the executive of the Waterside Workers’ Union with the Government at Parliament House. At the conference Mr. Webb said that Mr. Fraser, Mr. Nash and Mr. Sullivan all emphasised in their addresses the absolute necessity for the utmost co-operation between all sections, not only in the waterfront industry, but in every other phase of national life. All the Ministers were most definite in their pronouncements that better organisation had to take place on the waterfronts, for the whole prosperity of New Zealand was dependent on the export of the country’s produce overseas. Any elements causing delay in the export of these not only hampered the cause of the Allies,- but had an immediate reflex in the sterling exchange overseas, on which depended their imports of plant and raw material for the development of New Zealand.

The Ministers pointed out that the war situation necessitated the utmost goodwill and co-operation to maintain a decent standard of living, along with security of employment. In return for this they expected men on the waterfront to give of their best, | more especially during the present crisis, so as to help their fellowmen in other occupations, as well as their kith and kin overseas. Appreciation was expressed by the Ministers at the assistance already being given by the /Waterside Workers’ Federation which, they stated, was facing its responsibilities with both courage and ability The shipowners’ representatives were equally helpful, and determined to give the Government the fullest co-operation in the great task ahead. The conference adjourned until Monday afternoon, when their observations on the report would be considered.

“The object of the Government,’’ said Mr. Webb, “is definitely to evolve a system that will contain more harmony, give greater inducement to the men engaged in the work, provide a decent standard of living, and expedite the dispatch of all our products to the overseas markets. This applies not only to those engaged on the waterfront, but to all engaged in industry. The task is a difficult one. I think all will agree, but if all elements are prepared to concentrate on the national good, nothing but good results wili accrue to the people as a whole,’*