Powers Of Commission

Northern Advocate, 24 August 1945, Page 8

Powers Of Commission

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, This Day. A decision was given today by the Court of Appeal in the case relating to the powers exercised by the Waterfront Control Commission. The court held that the commission. ;n mtiking the orders concerned, was not acting in excess of its powers, nor was it exercising a judicial function beyond its legislative powers as had been contended. Referring to the contention that Order No. 116 was in conflict with a main order, the court held that where there is such conflict, minimum payments are to be made in accordance with Order 116. The main order remained in force, but was subject to Order 116. On the question of shift work, the court held that except on the first day of a ship’s working, workers ordered down or back are to be paid rates set out in Order 116. Shift work may not be discontinued except with the consent of the Waterfront Controller or other representative of the commission. It does not rest with workers or employers to decide to cease work because of wet or windy weather. The court held that Order 124 was valid in law and the commission had power to make it. The court held that the commission was not, nrecludecl by stabilisation regulations from paying waterfront workers at a rate of remuneration above that provided by the regulations.