CRITICISM RESENTED.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 166, 13 June 1940, Page 9

CRITICISM RESENTED.

REPLY TO MR HAMILTON. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, June 12. “There is no valid reason for the picturesque and, indeed, extravagant language used by the Leader of the Opposition (Hon. A. Hamilton) on the waterfront position to-day,” said Mr R. E. Price, in a statement to-night on behalf of the Waterfront Control Commission. “The facts are that the waterfront workers oiler their services from 8 a.m. each morning, Monday to Saturday inclusive, until midnight, and later if necessary. In addition they have worked on Sunday when requested to do so. The extended hours these men have worked since the commission has been appointed is a clear indication that tliev are making sacrifices, and that they are prepared to do everything in their power to assist New Zealand’s war effort.” Stating that Mr Hamilton could not have studied the memorandum referring to the increased wages. Mr Price said the increase granted was purely a wage adjustment and did nothing more than restore to tile workers in the industry the wage position as compared . with other workers which they had held for a long period of years. Assuring Mr Hamilton that the conimissioners were fully alive to the gravity of the war situation, Mr Price said that to date over fifty vessels had been worked on extended hours throughout New Zealand. The commission had received the co-operation of the shipowners and had arrived at an agreement by which the work of loading and discharging vessels would be performed on a contract basis at—rates which would not increase the labour costs, but would enable a considerable saving in operating costs by a quicker despatch of vessels.