Watersiders May Appeal To Other Transport Unions

Wanganui Chronicle, 29 June 1948, Page 4

Watersiders May Appeal To Other Transport Unions

(P.A.) Wellington, June 28 To avoid the hold up of perishable and other urgent cargoes, the Waterfront Industry Commission has decided to extend preference, to ships other than the Mountpark where this may be considered necessary. Under this provision the Harpagon was worked at Auckland today, when a large cargo of Australian oranges was unloaded. Gas coal was also unloaded from Kaimiro. Numerous applications for preference for urgent cargoes have been made to the Aucklaid office tff the Commission. The head Office of X’e Commission says steps will be taken to ensure that perishable cargoes are not unduly delayed. Mr. T. Hill, national secretary of the Waterside Workers’ Union, left tonight for Lyttelton, where he will meet members of the union. He is expected to return on Thursday. It is reported that officials of the union are inviting leaders of other major transport unions to confer when the National Council of the Waterside Union meets in Wellington next Tuesday. “Does Labour Intend To Throw Us to the Dogs?” Asks Union Executive (P.A.) Auckland, June 28. Advice on the Auckland waterfront pioblems was given by Mr. J. Mathison, Labour M.P. tor Avon, Christchurch, at Auckland tonight. “I tnink you people snould have a look at your officials.'’ ne said. “I have heard complimentary references on the work of watersiders at just about every port in New Zealand other than Auckland.’’ Mr. Mathison had just finished an address to a sparce audience of Labour Party supporters from the Arch Hill and Grey Lynn electorates. He was replying to questions asked by Mr. F. Tanner, a member of the executive of the Auckland branch of the Waterside Workers’ Union. “In the Mountpark dispute, is it the intention or the Government to lock the watersiders out?” asked Mr. Tanner Mr. Mathison said it was possible that a caucus would bo held this week to discuss the matter. Recent developments had occurred suddenly and he was not fully aware what steps would be taken* Something was radically wrong With the Auckland waterfront, he added. “Does the Labour Government intend to throw us to the dogs?” asked Mr Tanner. •T will not attempt to answer tha* question,” said Mr. Mathison. "Many of our best friend-’ have turned out to be verv bad ones.” Did the Labour Government appreciate the support the Labour Partyhad received from Auckland watersiders? asked Mr. Tanner. • Onlv too well,” said Mr. Mathison. “No other watersiders. on the othei hand, have received as manv benefits as those ot Auckland. If you bring about, the downfall o' 1 the Labour Government you wifi subsequently suffer to a greater degree.”