A COMMISSION

Hokitika Guardian, 22 September 1937, Page 5

A COMMISSION

ON AUCKLAND WATERFRONT AFFAIRS (Per Press Association —Copyright). AUCKLAND. September 21. A promise that when he returned to Wellington he would suggest the setting up of a commission to inquire into the methods of handling cargoes on the Auckland waterfront was made by the Acting-Minister for .Labour (the Hon P. C. Webb) to officials of the Auckland Waterside .Workers’ Union. He made the promise in response to allegations by the smi that much of the present inefficiency was traceable to other sources. Mr Welfb said after the meeting that he was convinced the men would he able to establish a good case. During his talk with the men lie told them that much of the criticism levelled against them by members of the Opposition related to the slow rate of working cargoes, be appealed to the men for co-operation, and said officials of the unions had assured him that if they knew of any instances ol slacking these would be dealt with. “I fold them the Oovernment expected the men to do a decent day’s work, and not to give people the opportunity of accusing them of slacking” Air Weldi said. “Those who do slack are just imposing upon the Laoour (Government in office 1 , and T told them so. The Government does not expect them to work like slaves ; but it does expect, them to give reasonably good service.”

The Minister added that with the organisation and privileges the Materside Workers’ Union enjoyed, it behoved its members to keep under control any section not pulling its weight. •'I was informed by officers of the organisation that much of the extra cost entailed in the loading and unloading of ships was due to the system on the waterfront.” concluded the Minister. “The men’s reprosentatatives told me they considered it unfair to bean all the criticism on to the men 1 when other interests were to blame, and thov have asked for a commission to look into the whole working of the Auckland waterfront.”