FLEET IN WORK.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10924, 13 November 1913, Page 6

FLEET IN WORK.

GOODS POURING IN. [Err Press Association.] AUCKLAND, November 13. So far as x>ractical results aro concerned, the business of the port is proceeding as usual, despite the fact that the bulk of the workers, usually engaged in the work of transportation, are on strike. The vessels that have been lying idle in the stream have been brought in to tlio wharves and the cargoes efficiently handled by members of the new Union. Carting to and from the waterfront is proceeding without interruption, an ample number of vehicles.and a sufficient number of competent drivers being available. Enough seamen are offering to man the coastal boats. , The Kurow, with 300 tons of Newcastle coal, was berthed this morning, and all the hatches were worked by full gangs. The coal was loaded directly into trucks on the wharf. The Westrnlia is expected to complete discharging to-night, and tho Wanaka by the end of the week. Tne Ennerdale has not much more cargo to discharge. The Opawa is due from east coast ports to-morrow to load 40,000 boxesof butter for London. There are 250 members of the new Union at work. More are being enrolled, and the secretary states that they include a number of strikers. The steamer Stormfel arrived with a full cargo from New York, and lies in the stream. She will discharge 1000 tons of cargo here, and then will proceed to Wellington. The Northern Company has _ now a full complement of men for their iarge coastal fleet. " ON THE CONTRARY." LIBERAL. LEADER'S REPLY THAT AUCKLAND PROTEST. [Per Press Association,] AUCKLAND, November 13; Sir Joseph Ward, replying to the Citizens' Defence Committee, telegraphed an emphatic denial to tke

statement that he was endeavouring, or had endeavoured, to embarrass the Government in its efforts. On the contrary, he expressed his readiness to assist them in every possiblo way. "My remarks were made with tho full sense of the responsibility and a siucere desire to have the industrial dispute amicably and satisfactorily settled in the best interests of all classes of the community, and particularly the interests of many innocent persons who will suffer, ruin in the event of a prolongation of the struggle. In contradistinction to your resolution, I have received many communications from responsible people throughout the dominion approving the course I have taken." AN INCIDENT. ARGUMENT AND "'BLOWS. [Per Press Association.] WAIHI, November 13. Three men named Robins, May. and Reeves were charged with -assault on J. Moran. Each was fine*] £3. The evidence showed that the, incident arose out of an argument over Federation and Arbitration,