WATERFRONT ACCIDENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 9998, 15 June 1918, Page 8

WATERFRONT ACCIDENTS

REFORMS WILL FOLLOW COMMISSION'S' INQUIRY. Presa Association. DUNEDIN, June 14. At the sitting of the Waterside Commission to-day the superintendent stevedore for Gill and Company, who had ohmrge of the company's waterside gear, said all the gear was overhauled after working almost every steamer. He thought the model T iron exhibited b> tho Commission was an improvement. Discussing three proposed methods of preventing accidents in removing hatches, ho said he believed the rope method was tho best. It was probable something could be done to minimiso accidents in that direction. Work was not now as fast as it was, and had been gradually getting slower for years. Captain Truem, with eighteen years' coastal experience, said the gear was under observation all the time on the East Coast run, and derricks were examined during voyages to Sydney. Ha had not found the inspectors lax, but drastic. Ho was favourably impressed with the present system of inspection. The inspectors' suggestions were always carried out.

John Jackson, foreman painter for the Union Company, said he supervised the fumigation of vessels. After hearing this witness the chairmon enid it would be advisable for the Commission to refer this aspect of the matter to Dr MoLaurin, Wellington, for advice.

Thomas Cordae, manager of the Union Company's repair -works, said ho had never had an accident reported to him as due to defective gear. The inspection of gear in ships in New Zealand was as exacting as the inspection in ships at Home. It would be well for the shipping and insurance companies and for the safety of waterside workers if that rigid inspection was made to apply, not to gear in shops, but made to nnply, not to gear in ships, but Robert Constable, naval architect to the Union Company, said that a good margin for 'safety was allowed in using gear.

Evidence was also Wd 'on behalf of the JJimcdm waterside workers and throe witnesses were called on behalf of tho Marine Department to speak as to tho inspections, carried out bv them. 'his closed the evidence. The lion. T. Al. Wilford (chairman) thanked tho shipping -companies, harbour, boards, and waterside workers'

unions for the assistance given in elu« cidating many complicated and portant problems relating to waterfront work. He also thanked his colleagues for the able examination of the witnesses. Already lie could see that reforms would be introduced as a result of the Commission's inquiry^