WATERSIDER’S DEATH

Grey River Argus, 28 April 1944, Page 2

WATERSIDER’S DEATH

SHIP'S EQUIPMENT H£LD TO BE UNSAFE. '

P A WELLINGTON, April 27. The death of a watersider as the result of an accident on a Wellington wharf, this morning, resulted in other members of the Union refusing to work other ships as a protest against what they alleged to be unsafe equipment on ships. The action of the men was taken without official approval of Union officials, but in a statement, they too condemned the present situation on wharves, and intimated, it was intended to make immediate investigation. No information could be gained as to whether it was intended to extend the hold-up beyond this afternoon. The accident occurred, it was stated, when a guy and preventer, part of the gear of a derrick- on an overseas ship, carried away. The derrick broke across a steel stay, and the broken end struck William McCiae. 60, married, Wells Street. Johnsonville and pinned him between the hatch combing and winch. It was some time before the derrick was lifted off him,’a rope having to be rigged and the derrick lifted by the winch. He was still alive while this was being done, but died as soon as the derrick was moved. ■ Union officials point out four lata accidents within the past month, and state that the accident rate has risen sharply during the year.

LITTLE WORK IN AFTERNOON.

P.A. WELLINGTON .April 27. There was little'work on the Wellington waterfront this afternoon following the accidental death of a waterside worker during the morning. During the lunch hour the men .held meetings, the majority deciding to cease work fOT the rest of the «ay as a protest against what they alleged to be unsafe cargo handling equipment on some ships. Two ships continued working. It is. understood that all work will be resumed normally tomorrow. The men’s action in stopping work was not officially approved by Union officials, who, however, pointed oul that there had been four fatal accidents on the Wellington wharves within the past month and that the accident rate had risen sharply during the past year. Union officials also criticised the equipment in use and intimated that it was intended to make an immediate investigation.