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21st September, 1950. In connection with the present waterfront dispute, the conference between the parties, under the chairmanship of Mr. J. A. G-ilmour, S.M., resumed its .sittings at approximately 11 a.m. this morning, and shortly before noon the Chairman and the representatives of the parties met me and reported that a unanimous agreement had been reached on the terms of settlement. The Chairman stated that the discussions had been undertaken in a most friendly and amicable manner, and both workers' and employers' representatives expressed appreciation to the Chairman for the manner in which the proceedings had been conducted. The Government is indebted to Mr. G-ilmour and the representatives of the parties for the valuable services they have rendered to the country in arriving at a settlement of the dispute. The Government trusts that the friendly manner in which the negotiations between the parties was conducted and which brought about a settlement of the dispute will continue and will in future result in a closer relationship between employers and workers, and so avoid recurring disputes on the waterfront, which are so damaging to the economy of the country. The terms of settlement are as follows: — (1) Provided that work is resumed on all ships in a constitutional manner, the employers agree to meet the Union Executive immediately thereafter, to enter into discussions regarding conditions to apply for the future handling of carbon black, and other matters, including the claims of the carpenters' section. (2) So far as the " Reaveley " decision is concerned the employers, without prejudice to the decision of the Authority, will see that, pending further discussions with the Union Executive, to be held as soon as possible, no departure is made by them from existing customs in regard to the transfer of winchmen. Normal work will be. resumed at all ports to-morrow morning. Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given, printing (658 copies), £6. By Authority: R. E. Owen, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9so. jPrice 3(1-1

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