THE WATERSIDE CONFERENCE.

Colonist, Volume LV, Issue 13735, 29 May 1913, Page 5

THE WATERSIDE CONFERENCE.

NO PROHIBITION OF FREE

LABOUR

[United Press Association.]

Dunedin, May 28

A prominent shipping official, questioned as to the forthcoming conference- between the- Labour Federation and snipping .representatives, says' that it is amusing to see "how much pleasure some people in various centres are getting out of tho mare's nest. _ He points out that tlio matter of giving preference to unionists is not a new thing, but has been exercised in the various agreements affecting shipping and waterfront industries. Further, under tin© present agreements the preference clause specifically states that no serious . hindrance, shall bo placed against any workman desirous of joining the union. Tho present agreement has still six months to operate, and the conference- next week is to bo held for the purposa of discussing several matters that have caused moro .or less friction in the past. He can see no attempt at tho prohibition of free labour.