LINER STAYS IDLE FOR THREE DAYS

Grey River Argus, 24 February 1949, Page 6

LINER STAYS IDLE FOR THREE DAYS

After Loading is Completed WELLINGTON, Feb 23. The liner “Dominion Monarch” is remaining in port here for three days, after having completed loading butter, meat, cheese, and wool for Britain. The liner’s stay in port has been criticised in a statement to-day by the president of the Wellington Waterside Workers’ Union, Mr Delaway. The vessel is sailing on Saturday. Mr Delaway said the employers and shipping companies were quick to let the public know and blame the watersiders for the slow turnround when an overseas ship was delaved, but nothing was said when it was loaded ahead of schedule. Mr A. D. Robertson, Nevy Zealand manager of the Shaw Savill, Albion Line, when Mr Delaway’s statement was referred to him, said, that the company was very gratified that owing to satisfactory work and good weather, the Dominion Monarch had completed loading, except for stores and baggage, three days ahead of schedule.

He said that, as the vessel was running to schedule, with passengers embarking and disembarking at all ports of call from Sydney to Southampton, no useful purpose would be served by an earlier departure. He added:—

“If a similar, turn-round could be guaranteed in the future, the company would welcome the opportunity of carrying a greater volume of outward cargo, which on this occasion had been reduced in order to maintain the schedule dates.”