CARGO HANDLING IN N.Z. PORTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 6 December 1940, Page 7

CARGO HANDLING IN N.Z. PORTS

NEED FOR UTMOST EXPEDITION VIEWS OF FARMERS’ UNION EXECUTIVE I [United Press Association| WELLINGTON. This Day. I Concern at the effect on New Zealand I shipping of the British losses being reI ported from week to week and the need ‘ for facilitating to the utmost extent the loading and unloading of overseas vessels, were emphasised at yesterday’s meeting of the Dominion executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union. Members expressed the opinion that it was New Zealand’s duty in order to make the most of the shipping available. to make a special effort so that no overseas vessels remained on the New Zealand coast unloading and loading cargo for a moment longer than could possibly be avoided. The latest cabled figures showing a loss of 87.000 tons for the week accentuated this feeling. This was equal to a loss of 4,500.000 tons per annum It was realised that unless very efficient handling of cargo could be obtained in New Zealand. Britain would have no alternative but to divert available ships to nearer countries in order to maintain vital food supplies. It was stated that unless New Zealand was; prepared to do its utmost to meet a serious situation it could have no complaint if the Empire placed available shipping on runs where greater efficiency could be obtained. It was urged that work should not cease on overseas ships from the moment that they arrived in port till the last cargo had been placed on board, and it was considered that if possible shift work should enable work to con- j tinue for the whole 24 hours of the day. The following resolution was carried: i “That this executive requests a full : public statement to be made concerning! the rate of loading and unloading cargo I at New Zealand main ports, as com- j pared with that of from five to ten f years ago. and also regarding the terms, j pay. and conditions relating to employ-! ment on the waterfront.”