THE UNLOCKED PORT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11000, 12 February 1914, Page 5

THE UNLOCKED PORT.

HOW MATTERS STAND.

CONTROL OF THE UNION.

EX-STRIKERS ON TOP.

(By Our Resident Reporter.)

: So far as Lyttelton is concerned, the waterfront has been entirely immune from any of the disturbances that have brought the Wellington watersiders again into prominence. The membership of the Lyttelton Wharf Labourers' Union is about seven hundred —three hundred and fifty above the number that generally seeks employment on the waterfront. But from this aggregate has to be deducted about one hundred and fifty members who, although still financial and on the books of the Union, are no longer in the port. Under the .rules of, the Union their names cannot bo struck off the roll until the necessary three months' notice has expired. The departed individuals were members of the original Arbitration Unioiu, and from the latest information available about one hundred and seventy still find employment on the waterfront. Of the old members of the Lyttelton Stevedores' Union some three hundred and eighty joined the now organisation, but the number seeking employment lately has not been more than one hundred and fifty. Of those, unaccounted for, tho majority, attractea by favourable reports from the Peninsula, went grass-seed-ing, but immediately these operations have concluded the men will return to the port. The fact that those who were in charge of the opening up of tho port offered a guarantee of £2 a week for three months was a decided attraction to many men to go to the waterfront for work, and in many instances the newcomers soon became adapted to the work. Othere, however, have shown a decided inclination to shirk matters, and it is expected that when the guarantee concludes, on February 20, there will be a fairly large number to make their exit from the port. Those who do intend to Btop, however, will continue to obtain preference of employment over ex-strikers. So far the two bodies of men have worked fairly amicably together, and beyond a few trivial cases no trouble has been experienced. Any instances of intimidation, however, that find their way to the ears of the employers are promptly dealt with. Mention has been made in "Wellington that one of the reasons for the members of the Union being desirous again to obtain control of the affairs is the probability of showing active sympathy with the waterside workers of Australia, in their trouble with the employers on the question of overtime, etc. The statement has been discussed a good deal in shipping circles, and whether or not anything further will eventuate is a vexed question. Tho general opinion is that last year's ordeal settled the matter for some time to como, although it is apparent in Lyttelton that ere long the majority of the present officials will be replaced by members of the old Union, as the latter have at least a voting majority of two to one. Even this fact would not warrant it being inferred that the Lyttelton men would adopt a militant attitude. Some time back the Union decided to set up a sub-committee to go into the question of revising the rules as previously < agreed to in November. The committee, it is understood, has practically completed the task, and a, special meeting of the Union has been called for March 4 te consider the question. Some discussion is likely to take place- on the matter submitted, but, as the members of the old Union are in tho majority on the sub-com-mittee, there is little doubt that the proposals submitted will find favour with the old members.