WATERSIDE WORK

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24070, 15 September 1941, Page 3

WATERSIDE WORK

COMMISSION'S VIEWS

REPLY TO CRITICISM ROOM FOR MORE IMPROVEMENT [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION"] WELLINGTON, Saturday The Waterfront Control Commission, replying to comments by Mr. W. H. G. Bennett, secretary of the New Zealand Waterside Employers' Association, on operations of the commission, states that time spent on the coast of New Zealand by ordinary cargo liners trading to New Zealand has been reduced during recent months from approximately 40 clays each trip to 19 days loading and discharging. "'lt is admitted that working shifts at week-ends has assisted materially in that direction," says the commission, "but the speedier rate of handling lias contributed largely toward the shorter stay of vessels in New Zealand, arid even if there were increased costs, as .Mr. Bennett alleges, they have been easily offset by the quicker, despatch and consequent increased \ earning capacity of the ships." The commission adds that there has been a substantial improvement in the rate of handling cargo on the waterfront since the commission was established.

"There is room for more improvement, and, as Mr. Bennett stated that men absent themselves from work or knock off before due time and the commission has shown reluctance to enforce discipline," continues the statement, "the public should know that the waterfront employers still control the foremen and overseers at all except three small ports in New Zealand. Ihe commission has enforced discipline, but the public will realise it is difficult to do so because there is dual control. If there is a lack of industrial discipline the commission is not responsible for it. We have asked that the foremen be placed under control of the commission, and the employers have definitely refused. At ports where the commission has full control of the jobs there is discipline and excellent work is being done, for the waterside workers know they will get a fair deal from the commission, as its only objective is to render the best service to New Zealand and the people of Britain." , .