THE COAL SHORTAGE

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 160736, 24 August 1920, Page 3

THE COAL SHORTAGE

WATERSIDERS’ HOLD-UP. THE POSITION IN WELLINGTON. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, August.23. The watersiders still decline t6 unload the superphosphates brought by the Japanese .steamer last week, unless they are paicP an additional rate equal to what tney receive for, handling lied Sea manure. The shipowners refuse to discharge three coal-laden vessels which are now in port. The watersiders are willing to discharge the coal, but not tho superphosphates. Idle shipowners insist that the watersiders shall handle both kinds of cargo at the usual rates or none at all. Owing to the shortage of the electrical current duo to tho coal supplies running out, the Picture Theatres will have to close up this, afternoon and evening. STATEMENT BY THE EMPLOYERS. WELLINGTON, August 23. In connection with the coal hold-up, the following authoritative statement has been issued on behalf of the employers: “The secretary of tho Union (Mr Bruce) misinformed the men regarding the rate they were to get for working the Japanese ship. Mr Bruce said that if he told the men this they would stop work. At a meeting of the Local Disputes Committee, the employers, recognising that Mr Bruce had made an error, decided to pay. the men 3/- per hour ordinary time and 4/- per hour overtime till 10 p.m., so as not to break faith with workers who, when engaged, thought they were to get 3/- and 4/- an hour. The decision of the employers was approved by the whole committee. It was made on tho distinct understanding that the men worked at the award rate of 2/5 on the next and on subsequent days. The employers stand on the fact that Japanese phosphate is specified in the award at 2/5 an hour ; that this cargo is in excellent condition, double bagged, and not at all dusty. In the circumstances they cannot see why they should pay 3/- and 4/- per hour. However, should the cargo prove dusty towards the bottom, the employers are quite willing to refer the matter to the local Disputes Committee and abide by its decision. The employers are firmly resolved not to engage any more labour on the waterfront till the men work the phosphate boat at the award rate. An exception to the rule will, however, he made in the case of the ferry boats connecting the two islands. Labour will be engaged for tho Patcena, Wahino, Maori, Kaitoa, and Nikau, whenever they are in port. Rennie come to Wellington from all narts of the country to travel hy the ferry boats, and if the boats were to be held uu many would find it impossible to obtain accommodation m tho city and would suffer hardship in consequence.” PARLIAMENTARY SITTINGS MAY STOP. WELLINGTON, August 23. If the trouble continues, and the electric light fails, it is possible night sittings of Parliament will have to be abandoned in the meantime. AUCKLAND GAS POSITION MADE WORSE. AUCKLAND, August 23. The, embargo on shipments of Newcastle coal threatens to bring about afurther and more drastic reduction in the consumption of gas. The position is that at present the Auckland Gas Company relies on Newcastle for threequarters of its requirements. Conseouentlv.. if news does not come to hand that the embargo has been lifted a further saving in consumption will immediately have to be enforced. .The last cut in force resulted in a 25 per cent, reduction in consumption, just one-third of the amount it will he necessary to save in output through the embargo not being lifted.