ARE THEY ESSENTIAL?

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 10062, 29 August 1918, Page 6

ARE THEY ESSENTIAL?

WATERFRONT WORKERS AND AIILITARY SERVICE.

“Are you aware that there has been a considerable number of military appeals on behalf of men engage!? on the waterfront?’’,,was a question asked by Air J. G. Cab be of the chairman at last night's meeting of tho Harbour Board. He said that in nearly every case an appeal was made. In the country districts men were being taken from essential industries and yet it was said that every, man on the waterfront was absolutely essential. It would be interesting lo aiiow whether these appeals were justified. Mr Daniell said he had declined to bo a party to any appeal. ’The position was that an officer of the board was permitted to go to tho Appeal Board and give all necessary information. Further than this tho board would not go. Air Cache: “is there a shortage of labour on the waterfront?” Air Hindmarsh: “I think it would bo most iudecent for us to int'erlcre.” Air Cabbe said the country was being drained of its essential workers and there was a feeling abroad that these waterfront appeals were not justified and that there was nos a scarcity of labour on the waterfront. Mr Daniell agreed with Mr Cabbe that the country was suffering unduly m comparison with the cities. They were taking men from tho country that -liev could better take from the cities.

Mr Hindmarsh: “The Appeal Board grants exemptions only after hearing the evidence. It is quite out of place lor us to challenge tho hoard’s decisions. It makes us appear a sort of debating society.” ... Mr McFaflane agreed with Mr Cabbe that the question was one that should be answered.

Mr R. A. Wright:_ “These appeals are brought by tho union secretary and we are merely beating tho air by talking about it.” After it had been explained that tho board hud a definite policy regarding its permanent staff the matter was allowed to drop.