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Waipa Post, Volume II, Issue 84, 9 February 1912, Page 3

The agreement arrived at between the New Zealand Federation of Labour and shipowners and employers will cost the Wellington Harbour Board about £6ooo. This the public will have to pay. The Board had proposed to make £7OOO in concessions by reducing the harbour improvement rate toll on shipping by 2d per ton (making it 4d instead ot 6d) and inward charges on general goods by 2d (2s 6d instead of 2s 8d), thus bringing these charges back to old rates in force up to about two years ago. The Board, however, has to raise the extra £6OOO to meet the extra demands, and will not now be in a position to give the promised rebates.

Conversing with a reporter, MrW. A. Vcitch, M.P., made it quite clear that he intends voting against the Ward administration on the first no-confidence motion brought down in the House. “1 am pledged to do so,” he said, “and I intend keeping my pledge. Asked what would happen were Sir Joseph Ward to, retire before the meeting of Parliament, Mr Veitch said: “My pledge is to vote against the Cabinet, and not against an individual member.” Mr Veitch further stated that he felt sure Mr Massey would retain office for at least three years. Fie scouted the idea that the placing of the reform party in power would mean a return to 4s 6d a day wages and soup kitchens. He had met Mr Massey, and was quite convinced that he was more democratic in his views than the present prime minister. Mr Vietch . went further, and said that if Mr Massey legislated for the good of the whole community and brought down measures to reduce the cost of living, and to improve the conditions of the workers, there was no reason why he should not remain in power for 20 years.