WHARF DELAYS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22954, 4 February 1938, Page 12

WHARF DELAYS

BEQUEST FOR INQUIRY ATTITUDE OF MINISTERS " CO-OPERATION " PROMISED ' DEMAND TO BE PRESSED " The chamber has found a certain nervousness among institutions and others concerned about taking part in an investigation," said the president, Mr. W. R. Fee, at a meeting of the council of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce yesterday, when .referring to a reply from the Associated Chambers of Commerce to the Auckland suggestion that, a Royal Commission should bo appointed to inquire into waterfront labour conditions in Now Zealand. 'lhe chamber, however, had been receiving definite complaints on the subject, Mr. Fee added. The Associated Chambers advised that at an executive meeting consideration had been given to replies from members of the Cabinet to representations on the matter. The Prime Minister, Mr. Savage, had stated that the Government would at all times cooperate with tho shipowners and others concerned to ensure that industry in Now Zealand was carried on without interruption under reasonable conditions." Tho Minister of Labour, the Hon. H. T, Armstrong, had advised that " tho Government was desirous that tho work on the waterfront should be performed efficiently, and the matter would receive full consideration." Most Important Problem Members of the executive of the Associated Chambers had taken a serious view of tho position and had readily adopted the Auckland Chamber's suggestion that the Government should be asked to appoint a Royal Commission to inquire into the whole subject. " There have been so many complaints on .this matter that someone had to take it up," Mr. Fee said. The question was probably one of the most important problems in the Dominion and it was now for the chamber to bco that it was not shelved or dropped. It was difficult to say what the real trouble was, but there must be some reason for the methods adopted by the men. If 'the men hud a grievance it should be rectified. Hearing of Evidence Mr. A. A. Ross said he did not think tho Government could refuse the investigation. A Member: Would it bo open to the press? , ~ Mr. T. G. Baskett: The people should know what is tho evidence. The letter from tho Associated Chambers was received. A further letter was received from the Associated Chambers stating that a reply had been received from Mr. Savage in connection with views expressed by tho chambers on proposed legislation affecting tho press. Mr. Savage had stated that the matter would receive consideration when it was again under discussion by the Government.