CARGO HANDLING

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19338, 31 May 1937, Page 12

CARGO HANDLING

FARMERS DISSATISFIED "AMONG WORLD'S DEAREST" "'That the Dominion executive undertake a thorough investigation of the conditions and pay of waterside workers," was a remit presented by the Marion branch at the annual interprovincial conference of the Farmers' Union in Danuevirke.

Mr. E. Gordon (Marton) said that the Dominion ports were among the dearest in the world. Costs had risen 50 per cent during the period 1933 to 1936, and for two months in 1937 62 1-3 per cent. At one time 800 boxes of butter were loaded in an hour, ■whereas now between 500 and 600 ■were loaded. Despite greater facilities, the carcase-loading had decreased from 4200 a day to 3500. Mr. L. L. Hammond (Marton) explained that the matter was now being investigated by the Government and the Dominion executive.

Mr. W. J. Poison, M.P., ex-Dominion president, said that, despite the reassurance of the Hon. P. Fraser, the conference should press the matter. The rearrangements contemplated by the Government would not mean a reduction in costs to the primary producer., . All that was assured was peace between the shipping owners and their own staffs. Their motto was "peace at any price," and the farmer paid the cost.' In Australia, with Jess adequate facilities, ships were loaded and unloaded in half the time and at half the cost.

A public inquiry had been asked for, and it was better that the public know all tho facts.

"When put, the remit was carried. Earlier in the morning the ActingPrime Minister, Hon. P. Fraser, when addressing the gathering, said that as the outcome of representations by Ministers, they had had a wonderful response from the men on the waterfront, who recognised the need for keeping transport intact, particularly with reference to chilled beef.