THE WATER FRONT

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7865, 29 July 1911, Page 1

THE WATER FRONT

WHARF LABOURERS’ UNION REVIEW OP THE FAST YEAR’S OPERATIONS. "There has been a steady decrease of membership during tho past year and the numerical strength of the union is now nearer to tho number required than at any other period since tho preference to unionists was granted," states tho report to be presented to the annual meeting of tho Wellington Wharf Labourers* Union on Tuesday evening. "The reason for the decrease undoubtedly is the improved condition of the outside labour market. Wo, however, have still a largo surplus of labour on the wharves, and it is onb on rare occasions that tho demand exceeds the supply. The present membership is m* against U7O last year, and of this number it is estimated that 1150 aro on the wharves daily- Dining tho year IDS new members were admitted, ot that number 383 paid the entrance ieo ot -5 lid, whilst tho remainder, 115, came m on transfer from other unions, paying nothing for entrance. Included in the Jattor were 49 on special clearance from the A.F.S. Union. During ,the year clearances were given to 244 members, including '35 special clearances to tho A.l ,b. Union. Resignations from 22 members were received. Many members who stui have their names on the books of. the union have disappeared without giving notice, and in a great many instances members have availed themselves of the rule allowing suspension of payment during absence. ACCIDENTS. '•During 'the year seventeen members died, five by accident or drowning, the rest from natural'causes. Members have been advised to report all accidents to the secretary as early as possible. This is now being done much more frequently than was the case last year. The number of accidents reported last year was 2G3, of which four resulted fatally, and in two instances members wore permanently incapacitated. ... In regard to compensation, the union has a record ot which if may be justly proud. Apart from ordinary payments there has been recovered a sum of no less than .£1145, without one,-penny expense to the members of tlio union. In addition to this, there has been recovered by the union's solicitors over .EIOCK) in 'settlements, besides the half-pay. In no instance has anv member’s claim been neglected; .satisfaction has invariably been gained whore the matter has been placed in the hands of tho officers. HARBOUR BOARD- ■- “Tho board has shown a desire to meet some of the wants of the workers by establishing an improved system of payment of wages and by the erection of a set of eight hot and cold shower baths • adjacent to the men’s waiting room, and is now proceeding with the erection of a first instalment of some, 250 useful and roomy lockers for the convenience of the members of the union. The union has thanked the board,for its consideration.’" REGULATIONS. 1 ; Tho executive waited 'upon -the Minister of Marine some montlis ago and laid before him the decisions of. tho last waterside workers’ conference, and also matters requiring attention at this port. As the outcome of that deputation some new harbour regulations have 'been gazetted, and are now in force. They arc a decided improvement, and whilst accepting them as an instalment, the union must not relax its efforts in seeking to obtain more. A PERIOD OF LTNREST. "There is at the present time a period of unrest," conciuaes , the report, ‘amongst some of the waterside unions of the »*nmininn,' and there is no reason to suppose that we shall not have the problem of industrial iimonism before us." Members aro advised to keep ' a clear .mind on this subject and to place before anything* else tho welfare of their own union.