GO-SLOW POLICY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18515, 28 March 1922, Page 5

GO-SLOW POLICY

MARINE SUPERINTENDENT’S SERIOUS CHARGE. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, March 27. At the Arbitration Court sittings, when discussing the seamen’s wages, strong exception was taken by the union representative to a statement made by a witness in regard to cool handling. Captain Walton, marine superintended, stated that coal handling had been reduced from 15 or 14 tons per gang per hour to about 10. Jtie supposed this was a result of enemy action. Mr Bruce, secretary of the Watersiders’ Union, strongly objected to the remark of Captain Walton. He said he was suffering from an attack of vivid imagination. Mr J. Roberts, of the _ Federation of Labour, ’ said it was a. serious charge to make, for it inferred that the waterside workers had been in league with the Germans. He demanded a definite explanation. A charge against 6000 men of having been influenced by our enemies during the war could not bolightly passed over. Captain Walton: I did not say that. Mr Roberts: You said it as enemy action. His Honor Mr Justice Frazer: He has only given it as possible suppos lion. Witness said ho hold tho highest opinion of the men on tho wharves. He made no charge against any body or individual. His Honor: You said that possibly the origin of this trouble might have come from enemy -information. The Arbitration Court will nave most complete information at its disposal when next it deals with tho cost of living question. Information is now being obtained of every group of food, and group of rent, clothes, etc.