WHARF STOPPAGE

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 24879, 28 April 1944, Page 2

WHARF STOPPAGE

■ ■■■ WATEBSIDER KILLED II ALLEGED UNSAFE EQUIPMENT HIGHER ACCIDENT RATE (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Thursday The death of a watersider as a result of an accident on a Wellington wharf this morning resulted in other members of the union refusing to work other ships as a protest against what they alleged to be the unsafe equipment o n ships. This action was taken without the official approval of union officials, but in a statement they, too, condemned the present situation on the wharves, and intimated that it was intended to make an immediate investigation.

The accident occurred, it was stated, when part of the gear of a derrick on an overseas ship carried away. The derrick broke across a steel stay, and the broken end struck Mr. William McRae, aged 60, married, of Wells Street, Johnsouville, and pained him between the hatch combing and a winch. It was some time before the deirick was lifted off him, a rope having to be rigged and the derrick lifted by a winch. He was still alive while this was being done, but died as soon as the derrick was moved.

Union officials point out that there have been four iatal accidents within the past month, and that the accident rate has risen sharply during the year. The men held meetings in the lunchhour and the majority decided to cease work for the rest of the day. Two ships continued working. It is understood all work will be resumed normally tomorrow.