PRESS VIEW OF SITUATION.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 2, Issue 42, 22 December 1911, Page 12

PRESS VIEW OF SITUATION.

For some time past (says tlie "Lyttelton Times' , ) there has been a good deal of uneasiness in shipping circles regarding the attitude now being adopted by the waterside workers throughout New Zealand. Only recently a ballot was taken amongst a, number of the unions to secede from the operations of the Arbitration Act, and in the majority of cases the ballot was successful, although it was known that in several instances more than one ballot had to be taken before the desired end was gained. Having freed themselves of this embarrassment, .the Waterside Workers' Unions are reported to be. endeavouring to bring about new conditions by joining forces with the Federation of Labor. A number of shinrmrfl state that the time is at

hand for the companies to take a more active interest in the demands that are being made, from time to time by the men. In certain circles the agents state that when trouble arises on the waterfront Timaru is generally the port that is most closely watched. It is maintained that this port is conducted by a strong body of officials, and is being utilised as an example, and whatever rates are.,obtained there will be used as a foundation for other agreements. In the meantime affairs are being closeiy watched by the interested parties, and it. would not be surprising before long to see, the owners taking up a stand that would probably bring about an unpleasant state of affairs from the men's point of view,'.and also from that of the. consumers , . At Lyttelton, the Union's award expired on November 29, the date the Union seceded from the provisions of the Act, and at present the rates are.being accepted under the old conditions.