WORK ON WHARF

Waikato Times, Volume 129, Issue 21525, 13 September 1941, Page 8

WORK ON WHARF

COMMISSION’S REPLY “NOTE OF HOSTILITY” DUAL CONTROL ALLEGED (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Saturday The Waterfront Control Commission, replying to comments by Mr W. H. G. Bennett, secretary of the New Zealand Waterside Employers’ Association, states that it regrets that Mr Bennett’s Press statement, from the start to the finish, strikes a note of hostility toward the Commission and the waterside workers and it was to be regretted that his statement was not more conducive toward that joint co-operation which was so necessary for the more efficient discharging and loading of vessels. The Commission adds that a statement from Mr Bennett, appealing for this eo-operation, would assist in the economic welfare of New Zealand and would be of assistance to the people of Britain and the British Commonwealth generally, for ships were at a premium today and their efficient utilisation would assist materially in the fight for democracy. Substantial Improvement The Commission says that there has been a substantial improvement in the rate of handling qargo on the wa.erfiont since the Commission was established. “ There is room for more improvement and, as Mr Bennett has stateo. that men absent themselves from work or knock off before -.he due time and that the Commission has shown a reluctance to enforce discipline, the public should know that waterfront employers still control the foreman and overseers, at all except three small ports in New Zealand. The Commission has enforced discipline but the public will realise that it is difficult to do so because there is dual control. “ A Fair Deal ”

“If there is a lack of industrial discipline, the Commission is not responsible for it. We have asked that the foreman be placed under the control of the Commission and the employers have definitely refused. At ports where the Commission has the full control of jobs there is discipline and excellent work is being done, for the waterside workers know that they will get a fair deal from the Commission as its orly objective is to render the best service to New Zealand and the people of Britain.”