GO-SLOW POLICY

Hokitika Guardian, 21 May 1937, Page 2

GO-SLOW POLICY

PURSUED BY WATERS [DELS. (Per Press Association —Copyright). AUCKLAND, Alay 20. The opinion that waterside workers were pursuing a tie!iDerate go-slow policy with a view to obtaining control of loading operations at various pons was expressed by Air S. G. Holland, member of Parliament for ( hristehureli North, in addressing a meeting in the Eden electorate.

“There is a deliberate policy being pursued, and the Government has not the courage to tackle the situation,” declared Mr Holland, in stating that the rate of loading beef was 20 per cent, lower to-day than it was in 1935. “Twq years ago the daily rate of handling .quarters of beef on the wharves was 4200, and to-day it has fallen to 8000. Mutter was loaded on ships at the rate of 800 boxes an hour in 1935 and this month it is being handled at between 500 and 000 boxes an hour,'’’ added Air Holland. “There must be some reason, and I believe that it is because the workers are agitating for a complete change in the methods or loading ships. The waterside workers want to get control of the handling of all produce at our ports, at rates to suit themselves. They are expecting the Government to give them that control, and if they secure it. and a contract rate of handling can be arranged on the present basis of loading, then you may rest assured that the work will soon be speeded up to the 1935 rate.” Mr Holland said he did not. expect the Government to attempt to check the practice as the attitude of the workers was in keeping with Labours policy of. transferring the control of industry from private ownership to the State. He said the same methods had characterised the handling of the freezing industry dispute earlier in the year. The action of the Alblister for Labour (Air H. T. Armstrong) had resulted in tlie industry being compelled to carry an additional wages burden of £460.000 a year. In criticising the actions of the Minister Air Holland said : “Air Armstrong bandied it in a spineless manner, and his action was an open invitation to any other workers who might be dissatisfied with their conditions to throw overboard the conditions laid down by the Arbitration Court, which was reinstituted by. rlie AI blister.”