THE DOCK STRIKE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11797, 28 July 1900, Page 8

THE DOCK STRIKE.

EFFECT ON NEW ZEALAND SHIPMENTS.

(From Ohr Own Correspondent.)

LONDON, June 15,

Once again the London dockers have struck, New Zealand's old guest, Ben Tillett, being once more to the fore. -In the memorable dock strike during which that gentleman made his name, the men, the shipowners now admit, had grievances, and grave ones too.. They fought them for " a'tanner an hour"; they now have not only their Gel an hour, but Id on to that—7d, with extras for overtime, and payment even for dinner hour. However, shipowners are gradually getting round them

" free" labourers, or non-unionist men, and to these they give first chance of employment. When a ship has to be discharged notices are put up at the dock gates, " 50 men wanted " lor whatever boat may be at the berth, and they get engaged. This seems to have been what the dockers asked for years ago. Now, however, they think they are being "euchred" by the shipowners, who do not chose to recognise the union, but prefer taking thj men they know. The union now asks that every man shall be taken on outside the gates, in rotation, and as they nominate. It is the old fight over again.

As a result there is great disl^n.tiou of the work of 'discharging. Fortunately for itself the New Zealand Shipping Company has only one vessel, the Waimate, in just now, and her owners have enough men to stand by them, so they are are experiencing little trouble. The Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company, however, are in a different position. They have the Gothic and the Maori, while to-day the Whakatanc arrived, making three vessels in all to discharge. Hence it is expected that there will be considerable delay, though an early termination of the strike .is expected. The whole affair is troublesome, and the more so as consignees are writing.to the shipping companies, stating that the latter will be held responsible for the delay. The thing is the more annoying seeing that the men engaged on New Zealand produce express themselves as perfectly content with their wages, but fear intimidation. All other lines, I may say, are experiencing difficulty, New Zealand in reality being a " favoured nation."