WATERSIDE ACCIDENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17324, 25 May 1918, Page 8

WATERSIDE ACCIDENTS

COMMISSION OF INQUIRY SITTING. EVIDENCE AT WELLINGTON. (P»u Unitei> Pbess Association.l WELLINGTON, May 24. Before the Waterside Commission to-day a number of waterside workers gave evidence regarding gear, hatchways, etc. James Laurenson suggested that the Marine Department should take over full control and inspection of ships, hulks, and wharves. The same witness produced a heinp rope, which on tho exterior looked good, but when opened out proved extremely faulty, many strands being very short. Captain M'Arthur said the fa-ult lay not with owners of vessels, but with the issuers of the rotten stuff. The Chairman: Yes; they ought to be in gaol. Jatnes G. Bruce, secretary of the Wellington Waterside Workers'' Union, said that lately there had not been so many accidents. That he attributed to the new working conditions. The running gear of vessels trading with Wellington was not in good order. He had complained to tho authorities about an oil-laden shin beinnberthed with a hulk and three colliers, and with a railway engine running alongside: but the ship was not moved. On another ves". sol with benzine aboard men worked on general cargo with naked lights. No oil ship should be berthed where a railway °"gine was working. He prewnted a list, of 405 accidents which had occurred between July 31, 1916, and Mav 16, 1918 occasioning more than a fortnight's lay-np! "Grabs" should not be used. Thev needed more cranes and gear about, and ships had not been built for " grabs" to bo worked in them.