“BLACK” SHIP TO STAY IN THE STREAM

Wanganui Chronicle, 23 July 1949, Page 5

“BLACK” SHIP TO STAY IN THE STREAM

Government Request To The Auckland Harbour Board AUCKLAND, Last Night (PA).— The Canadian steamer Ottawa Valley, which has been declared “black” by several Auckland transport unions as the result of the Canadian seamen's dispute, will probably remain at anchor in the stream until the dispute Is settled. It is understood instructions that the steamer should remain at anchor were received by the Auckland HarBoard from the Government this afternoon. Fears of serious Industrial trouble which would have followed the berthing of the Ottawa Valley have been dispelled by the decision. In spite of a decision of the Auckland branch of the Harbour Boards Employees’ Union not to handle the ship it was possible that the steamer would have been brought alongside the wharf at the week-end without tugs and without the services of the board's linesmen. If the ship had been berthed the Harbour Board crane drivers would have refused their services, and members of the Auckland branch of the Waterside Workers' Union would not have handled an Auckland cargo of newsprint and general goods. By a majority vote, members of the Auckland Harbour Board decided, at their meeting on Tuesday, that the board had a duty to perform in providing berthage space, and offered a berth to the Ottawa Valley when Its turn came. Union members on the board warned the board that the action might precipitate far-reaching consequences. Alhough no definite reason for the Government’s attitude could be obtained today, it was suggested that It was already fully occupied with handling the no overtime dispute on the Auckland and southern wharves, and that it could not welcome the spread in industrial unrest on the waterfront#.