THE RECENT STRIKE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16041, 6 April 1914, Page 8

THE RECENT STRIKE.

LYTTELTON WATERSIDE WORKERS. THE PREFERENCE QUESTION, (P«b United Press Association.) .? CHRISTCHURCH, April 5. Employers of waterside labour at Lyttelton were recently approached by a deputation of Christchurch members of Par- . uament in reference to the preference of employment given to the members of the new iinion. The members proposed that ■ the preference should be relaxed. The following reply has been sent by Mr A. W. Bennett :— v "At a meeting of employers of waterBide labour in LyUelton I was instructed to convey to you their decision on the matter which was brought before them by yourself and other members of ParliaAs I stated on that occasion, we • are qnite determined to continue prefer- -, ence ■of employment to all those men, / 'whether married or single, who came to our a&istance in Lyttelton when the members pf the Waterside Workers' Union Tefused to work and for t.ho time being blocked all traffic at tli« port. After seeing that these new men get work, it is our wish that all the married men of the old union "who are efficient workers and of steady", habits 'shall obtain work before another man, and we are making arrangemente 1 to. that effect. I may say that I am informed that most of the single wharf labourers ■ connected with the union have left the port"