WHARF LABOUR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24450, 8 November 1940, Page 8

WHARF LABOUR

QUESTION OF WAR SERVICE GRADE A MEN EXEMPT (Per United Press Association* WELLINGTON, Nov. 7. The principle that Grade A waterside workers are to be deemed an essential part of the Dominion's war organisation was emphasised by the chairman of the Wellington Manpower Committee when appeals by the Waterfront Controller from the requirements of Territorial training in respect of 12 members of the union came up to-day. The controller. Captain Vandenberg, said it was essential to keep the waterfront industry going. They had lost 100 freezing men in the first three echelons. He would appeal, he said, for all waterside workers to be exempted. It was a closed union, and the industry was a most essential one. The chairman of the committee, Mr M. F. Luckie, said an industry had the right to appeal regardless whether the men concerned wanted to go to camp or not. No technicalities should be allowed to stand in the way, and the appeals of all Grade A men. who were an essential part of industry, should be given adjournments sine die. A college master who appealed on the ground that a serious position would arise if the education system was not fully maintained, was met by the remark that the position would be much more serious if there was invasion without trained fighting men to meet it. His personal appeal was dismissed, but the appeal of the employing authority was met to the extent that appellant will not be called up before December 7.