WATERFRONT TROUBLE

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12116, 18 April 1925, Page 7

WATERFRONT TROUBLE

“GO-SLOW” POLICY ALLEGED

For Press Association. NEW PLYMOUTH, April 17. “Ever since the settlement of the recent waterfront trouble here, evidence has. been provided on the wharves of ajn organised policy of ‘go-slow.’ Work at the port is not being proceeded with the usual dispatch, and there has been considerable delay to theboqts, apd the 'position has become acute now. The work of loading and discharging of vessels, including several Home liners, is taking nearly twice as long as usnal. There are visions of a ‘go-slow’ policy on the wharves, and unless it is checked very quickly irreparable damage will be- done to the port,” etated Mr Gordon Fraser, president of the Chamber of Commerce to-day. NO CONCERTED ACTION The men have not taken any concerted action wTiich would bring them within the. law, but business men are satisfied that “go-slow” tactice are being encouraged by influences behind the soene. “At a conservative estimate, the ‘goslow’ policy is costing £IOOO a day,” said Mr Fraser. He believed the majority of the men were willing to work' as nsual, hut they were powerless in. the hands of unseen forces. Owing to the delay of steamers, the Union Company has increased the Australian freight by Ss per ton.