3.
14
also maintained by a number of launches and smaller boats, but at very
considerable expense and inconvenience to the public.
6.
While the strike was in progress the companies and the men's
representatives proved willing to resume discussions at the Labour Office.
Though a number of meetings were held, and tentative agreement was reached
an increase of wages - was only partially on many points, the main demand conceded by the managements of the two companies. At this point enquiries
were made by the men as to whether they might be permitted to run the ferries
under Government supervision. It was found to be quite impracticable to accept this suggestion and although the men were prepared to make certain further concessions as regards their demands in respect of pay, which fact was reported to the managements by the Labour Office, no solution was reached. The Naval personnel were withdrawn and for two days, from the 19th to 21st August all cross-harbour ferry traffic again came to a standstill.
7.
In the meanwhile I had instructed the Acting Colonial Secretary
on the 19th August to call a meeting of representatives of all four parties to the dispute and attempt to obtain their consent to settlement by arbitra- tion and to immediate resumption of the services pending the setting up by Government of an Arbitration Board. Although this was a new departure for Hong Kong the principle of arbitration was accepted readily by the companies, and, after the implications had been carefully explained to them, by the men
The ferry services were re-commenced who agreed to resume work immediately.
on the 21st August.
8.
The constitution of the Board of Arbitration was as follows:-
Three members nominated by myself namely:
S
Puisne Judge (Chairman)
His Honour Mr.Justice E.H. Williams The Honourable Dr. J.P. Fehily, 0.B.E., Chairman of the Urban Council. Commander A.S.D. Ryder, Deputy Harbour Master.
Two members nominated by the managements of the two ferry companies namely:
Mr. Lawrene Kadoorie,
The Honourable Mr. R.D. Gillespie.
Two members nominated by the employees of the two ferry companies namely:
The Honourable Mr. M.K. Lo, C.B.E.
Mr. Hon Man-wai.
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