Contract System On Auckland Wharves

Northern Advocate, 8 October 1941, Page 6

Contract System On Auckland Wharves

[Special to ‘‘Northern Advocate”] AUCKLAND, This Day. The Minister for Labour (Mr Webb), commenting last night on the conference between the Auckland Waterfront Control Commission, said Waterfront Conrtol Commission, said that complete agreement had been reached between the two parties. Mr Webb said it had been decided to again adopt the contract system as far as possible in working all ships and the union delegates would recommend the endorsement of the conference findings when the workers held their usual monthly stop-work meeting today. The commencing date would be arranged by the commission and the union. Could Be Improved “It was generally agreed that the present method of handling cargo on some of the wharves could be much improved,” said Mr Webb. “The extension of the mechanical method of handling cargo was approved in practice, but there are a number of difficulties to be overcome, not the least of which are those which may be experienced in securing the plant and machinery. “However, the whole question of quicker and cheaper handling of cargo is under consideration. If the commission and the men approach the Auckland Harbour Board with practical proposals, consideration will be given to them.”