Watersiders’ Dispute

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XII, Issue 92, 28 March 1922, Page 6

Watersiders’ Dispute

EVIDENCE BEFORE COURT.

RESTRICTION OF OUTPUT.

WHARF SUPERINTENDENT’S

TESTIMONY

Wellington, March 28. In the Arbitration Court, in the Watersiders’ dispute. Captain Walton, Wharf Superintendent of the Inion Company, gave his reason for supporting the proposal to work overtime at night. He described the excessive waste of time caused by stop-work meetings. Thu einp.oyers were not consulted, and half of the men did not attend. The decision as to the restriction on the output of coal cargoes was the result of a resolution of the union.

Cross-examinod by Mr. Roberts, witness said there were clear indications of an organised attempt to restrict output. The union took good care that he did not get any evidence. They had stopped the go-sow at Lyttelton, but could not make up stop-work losses by ovetiv.e. The general body -of watersiders would work overtime if they had an opportunity. Mr. Roberts: W1 io stops them? M itness : 1 suppose the union. How do you know ?

That’s my opinion. Judge Frazer: We know he cannot give us direct evidence, Mr. Roberts: 1 am only a layman in these matters., His Honour: Don’t worry. You are doing very well indeed. His Honour said it was only Captain’s Walton’s opinion, and what lie had been led to believe.

Mr. Roberts: As long as that is all wo are satisfied.

Captain Walton saiid he did not know Mr. Bruce had asked the union to work after 10 p.m. What Mr. Bruce would say on the stand and off the stand were two different things. That was his opinion . He had no evidence.

In reply to Mr. Smith (for employers), _ witness said that there were 1400 to 1700 men working generally on the wharf at the present time. He did not know how many were required for the whole of the wharves. It would not be 2000 in normal times..