WATERFRONT VOL. 1.
THE PAPERFOR THE PORT
No. 8
FEBRUARY, 1961.
Produced by tlte Workers for the Workers. A Monthly Magazine for all sections and all grades in the Port of Dublin.
PRICE 3d.
FERRYANDCONT IINERISSUE New Proposals by Cross-Channel Shipowners dominant note at most of them was; the negative and unrealistic attitude of the shipowners. Something else should be noted. It was not the dockers who first banned containers, a The "National " Press has shown had the privilege of studying the mary of the terms now offered by lot of people will be surprised to its usual haste to make capital at proposals, and are honestly con- the employers. The reader can learn, but the shipowners themthe expense of dock workers, and vinced that they fall far short of judge for himself of the gap selves. This was one of the gave banner headlines to the what would be acceptable to the between the two, and can form his startling facts disclosed by the announcement that the Federated dockers in general. own assessment of the chances of recent inquiry into cross-channel Union of Employers, acting on the freight rates, and must have You may ask, what would be bridging the gap. instructions of the Cross-Channel acceptable ? The answer is concaused many raised eyebrows in It should be noted that the proShipping Association, had i.ub- tained in the proposals submitted posals from the men were tabled the trading fraternity. In fact. mitted proposals to terminate the by the Joint Port Committee on by the Unions two years ago, in an up to 1948, when the container dispute. The impression was given behalf of the men some time ago. effort to reach settlement, The insystem was beginning to come in the newspaper reports that all These proposals constitute what the tervening time has been frittered into general use, the Crosswas over bar shouting; and it P.ort Committee sincerely believe away in conference after fruitChannel Conference successfully was of course implied that the in- to be a basis for a lasting settlement less conference, which exhausted opposed its introduction; and formation at the disposal of the of this thorny question. the excuse of the Companies conFor the the patience of Unions and men ·Press was truthful in all respects. information of all, the proposals a1ike. We have lost count of the cerned was that they weren't yet Truth about the dock workers in are set out in this issue of "Water- number of meetings that have taken ready for containers. It is a our national papers would, how- front", side 'by side with a sum- p)ace in the last few years, but the moot point whether they are ever, be a new departure. Only a ready even now; but the profew days earlier they had reported posed Agreement seems to inthe Bristol Co., strike as over and : dicate that at least they think done with. They were premature ~ FOR THE BEST IN they are. WALLPAPERS We will not presume to anticiby a full week. ~ We are of the opinion that they ~ pate the decision of the general CALL TO will be premature in the container ~ body of dockers on the shipowners' report by very much more than a ~ proposals, or attempt to influence week. Frankly, we don't know ~ their verdict dn any way. At this I what all the trumpet blowing was stage the whole matter is perhaps 75 TALBOT STREET PHONE 47849 for; nor have we the least idea on ~ ll3 THOMAS STREET best left to the good sense of the 79 AUNGIBR STREET what grounds it was implied that able negotiators representing the the trouble was ended. We have _-_____ 5_3_L_R_._G_E_O_R_G_E_S_ST_.,_D_U_N_L_A_O_G_H_A_IR_E _____ _ men.
For six or seven years the Cross-Channel shipowners have stonewalled the container dispute. For the greater part of a decade they have evaded the issues at stake, and avoided like a plague a realistic grappling with the problem. Now, at long , last, with .a fanfare of trumpets in the papers, they have made a move.
WIGODER
& Co., Ltd.,
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RADIO TAXIS DIAL 6. 11• 11
BLUE'
~ABS
,~·~~----- 12 WESTLAND ROW, '(Opposite Church) DUBLIN
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KEEN PRICES AND SPECIAL CARS FOR WEDDINGS COUNTRY RUNS OR ANY OCCASION
rwo
FEBRUARY, 1961
WATERFRONT
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The Bristol Co. strike is we feel sure, a happy augury happily over. That (as we said for the future. We are pleased at the time) it should never to record that ,,Mr. Fewell,. MONOPOLIES have happened is now all too whose attitude we criticised in This is the age of cartels and as an earlier correspondent de- obvious; for if the terms of our last issue, showed himself combines, of mergers ·and amal- precated the total absence of settlement had been offered in in a very much better light than gamations. Hardly a week conciliation boards. This in the the first place, there would ever before. It is rather a pity, passes but we hear of some senventh decade of the century, have been no casus belli and however, that the Bristol Co. mammoth firm swallowing, or when such bodies ih more en- no strike. But is was only after management, in their advice to attempting to swallow, other lightened lands are busily tap- a stoppage that lasted three customers, did not follow • concerns of only; slightly less ping the vast reservoir of months, and inflicted grievous through with the good work, The pundits of the Press are fabulous wealth, and take-over ability in the masses and reap- losses on men and management bids are constantly making the ing rich dividends for labour alike, that commonsense super- subjecting the Labour Court to vened, and the disputants met a deal of adverse comment headlines. i(::omers are estab- and management alike. in the conference room like lately. It is therefore a pleasure lished in print; monopolies are Twenty years is a long time acquired in cotton; empires are to wait, but the prophe~y will rational men and hammered to· be able to compliment Mr. McDermott the conbuilt in this, that, and the other perhaps be confounded. Some out their differences. It is ended now, and peace ciliation officer, on his tireless line of merchandise; and so the vast acceleration may unexis restored. The spirit which work in this matter and on his tale goes on. pectedly take place, which will prevailed at the final meeting handling of a situation that at But there is happily one (Contd. in Column 4). between the parties provided, times looked impossibls:. High simple commodity in which no praise must also be awarded corner can ever be obtained by --------------------------James Dunne, and his colfair means or foul; one comleague of the I.T.G.:W.U. and modity in which neither wealth to the W,U.I., for their unremitnor power nor influence can From time to time we are pressed by readers in various section to ting efforts, which at last· were build or buy a monopoly; and that is brains. Here the tene- publish "Waterfront" every week, or at least once a fortnight. We crowned with success. In all our references to this ment can challenge the palace; regret that this is out of the question at present. It takes a great the graduate of the gutter may deal of spare-time labour to produce the paper on schedule every month, tragic stoppage, we have rethere are weighty difficulties in the way of more frequent publica- peatedly emphasised the vital overtake and outstrip the gilded and importance of goodwill. There candidate of the Upper Ten tion. , Let it be stated at once, however, that the difficulties are by no was evidence that goodwill was Hundred by the sheer force of mental capacity; and historx means insuperable. Indeed, .the Editorial Committee and the General sadly lacking in labour-manageof Management have this question constantly under review. ment relations in the Bristol bears witness that from the Committee things are certain: 1. Our printers could handle weekly pro- Co., and this we believe was ranks of the~ workers more in- Three duction with ease. 2. There would be no shortage of material (there the root cause of most of the tellectual power is generated never is!). 3. There would be no financial hindrance. Regard}ng than from all other levels finance "Waterfront" is not making money, and was never intended trobule. Now at last, however, a happier spirit appears to be combined. to make money. But it is solvent; it is paying its way. Published manifesting itself, and the (Strange to relate, however, weekly, it would continue to pay its way; of this we have now no doubt. future looks hopeful. this basic truth does not seem What then is the main obstacle ? The answer can be stated in The new understanding t~ have yet penetrated the mind one word: labour. Given sufficient additional writers and voluntary of management in the Port of workers for the editorial staff, "Waterfront" could become a weekly should be carefully nurtured Dublin; and if progress in the paper in a comparatively short time. We will go further and say that, and fostered . . . by both sides. Republic continues at i,ts pre- if things continue to develop at the present tempo, if we continue to sent infinitesmal pace, we attract fresh blood at the sam~ rate as hitherto, then it is a practical MONOPOLIES-(Contd.) - should say another 20 years certainty that " Waterfront" will in due time be transformed into a catapult us forward into belated will elapse before the concept streamlined weekly. We will not say when-next year, perhaps, or the alignment with other !ands. is accepted in this little corner year after. We can only assure our readers that the possibility of weekly The miasma of mIStrust of the earth. It is a depressing publication is ~ever lost sig,bt of for a moment, and is in fact a major which impels management to thought that man will almost aim of the Committee. keep labour at arm's length certainly land on the moon, Meanwhile, we are not standing still. We will withdraw "Water- may suddenly be dissipated, and colonise the planets, before front " from circulation rather than allow it to remain stationary, and and the Port liberated from the it daW!llson the upper echelons we have ambitious plans for the future. For the present hall-year crippling cree~ that "'.orkers of Dockland that the workers there will be ·no further changes. But on the completion in June of are of ' necessity enemies of have a great and shining ~on- our first twelve months of publication, new designs and new formats, management and can never be tribution to offer-a contnbu- new sizes and new lay-outs, will be reviewed and considered. New admitted to the status of collation which up to the present ideas and fresh angles are already being weighed and di~ussed. By the borators. All this may perhaps nobody wants. way have you any ideas for improving "Waterfront" yourself? If so, happen much sooner than we A writer in our present issue shoot them in. Or <Jo we have to remind you that this is your paper can expect in view of the predraws attention tQ the striking as well as ours? ~ent tempo of evolution, ~nd a fact that in the whole Port not So much for our brief glimpse into the shape of things to come. 1ew era will be ushered m. a single worker-management We are· confident .of the future, and the forward thrust of the paper The operative word is . . . committe is in operation, just will be fully maintained. perhaps. 12
COMMONS
STREET, NORTH
WALL, DUBLIN.
The Shape of Things
Come
FEBRUARY,
1961
WATERFRONT
Th-e Container
Conflict
Summary of Position TERMS OFFERED BY EMPLOYERS , The proposed agreement is a formidable document comprising no less than 26 pages, and it would be impossible to publish it in full. A resume of all the important points is all that, is needed, and here it ls : The a,greement if signed will naturally supersede all previous agreements. This means that the Green Book will go overboard, although many of its provisions are incorporated in the new document. The Agreement provides for an interim period of six months, during which its operation may be reviewed by both sides, and will then become final. Under the new regime the gang strength of dockers working containers will be 8 in British Railways and 9 (plus a winchman or craneman if and when required) in the B. & I. and the B.S.N.Co. No increase in the present basic rate of pay is contemplated, but a comprehensive " incentive bonus " scheme is offered, the terms of which vary somewhat in each of the three Companies. This scheme fixes a tonnage target, and concedes special payments for all tonnage handled in excess of the target. Different targets are set for general cargo and containers, and we will take general cargo first. Full normal gangs will be employed, and the daily target per gang will be 80 tom.i in British Railways and the B.S.N.Co. The bonus for every ton handled in excess of this will be 7 /2 in British Railways and 7/8 in B.S.N.Co. In the B. & I. the daily target wil1 vary from 56 to 72 tons, according to trade and berth, and the bonus also will vary from 8/6 to 10/11 per ton. In respec·t of general cargo, some important provisions should be noted, which will abolish e-xisting practices. Where there is a long haul, for example, one or two extra trucks manned respectively by three or six men may be employed, without any commensurate increase in the number of holdsmen. The practice of taking hoists in turn is to- end, and a truck will be required to " snap" a hoist whenever necessary. A carrying gang may be constituted of whatever number of men the stevedore may decide; and only holds, men are to be retained for putting on hatches, the outside men to be paid off. Now we come to containers, which are described as unit loads, and for which as stated gang strength will be approximately halved. In British Railways and the Bristol Co., for lifts of from one to two torts, the daily target per gang will be 160 tons. The bonus for excess tonnoge will be 3/7 per ton in British Railways and 3/10 in the Bristol Co. For lifts of two tons and over the target for these two Companies, will be 320 tons. ·The bonus will be 1/9½ in British Railways and 1/11 in the Bristol Co. Irt the B. & I. there are variations for the, containers, as for general cargo. For lifts of from one to two tons, the target ranges from 112 to 144 tons and the bonus also fluctuates from 4/3 to 5/6 per ton. For lifts of over two tons, the target varies from 224 to 288 tons, and the bonus from 2/1½ to 2/9 per ton. It should be emphasised that the bonus per ton is to be shared by the dockers in each gang. There are provisions for reducing the tonnage target by an amount proportionate to the loss of time when a ship is late or a winch or crane breaks down. The working day remains unchanged, and the rates for overtime payment are substantially the same as those hitherto prevailing. There are no changes in the "dirty-tnoney" schedule, and livestock gangs will be paid on time rates, as heretofore. The Agreement provides for the setting up of a Joint Board1
ORIGINAL PROPOSALS OF PORT COMMITTEE The Joint Port Committee, representing all Cross-Channel dockers, took the view from the outset, that, as it was the employers who wanted to change the methods of loading and discharging ships, the onus of finding a satisfactory solution to the container problem rested on their shoulders. As they failed to formulate any workable or acceptable terms, however, the Committee, early in 1959, advanced the following three points as a basis for an equitable settlement : 1. The Committee was prepared to accept any new methods or techniques, provided that each and every "A" and "B" Registered Button docker would have a definite assurance that he would receive the same number of man-days as in 1958; with the further proviso that any man who suffered illness or injury in 1958 would be credited with the time lost as a result, and paid accordingly. 2. The Committee claimed increased pay for container work, and held that 45/- per day would be a reasonable figure, as the output per man-gangs would be trebled. All companies in the Cross-Channel trade would be parties to a new agreement covering this and under Government control. Should the tonnage figures rise considerably above those of 1958, there would have to be a system of " pooling " so that the workers would share in the resultant fruits of increased productivity, a method of allocation to be devised by mutual agreement. • Conversely, if the tonnage figures should fall, the workers would be willing to shoulder a fair share of the losses. 3. If the above two points were conceded, the Committee would agree to all necessary revision and amendments of present CrossChannel working conditions and practices as set out in the Green Book, to enable the new methods of cargo-handling to be launched and operated with the maximum smoothness and efficiency. It was suggested that a special committee to supervise the change' over might be set up with advantage. As will be seen, the primary aim of these proposals was to secure a guarantee against redundancy, the " big bad wolf" of automation in any form. Other major aims were the preservation of the men's earning capacity, and some shl!re in the profits expected to accrue from the introduction of a generl\l container service. These proposals were endorsed and supported by the Unions and were officially· tabled in 1959. They have been the subject of fruitless discussion in the past ·two years, and at no time have the employers shown any dispositfon to consider them seriously. It remains for the general body of dockers to decide whether or not the terms now offered by the shipowners constitute a real advance on the obdurate tactics they have hitherto e1,11ployed. consisting of three representatives of the shipowners and three of the Unions, with a chairman appointed by the Labour Court. This • Board will prepare a register of dockers. and any docker on the register who fails to get employed on a given day 'will be paid 17/6. To qualify for this "fall-back" money, he must be willing to accept any employment offered to him. A Central Pay Office will be established by the Board, staffed by a manager and secretariat, and all dockers will be paid weekly at this office. Any disputes which may arise will be referred to the Joint Board·, whos.e decision in all cases will be final a.n:d bin.ding. Such in brief are the main' points in the proposed Agreement.
EOUR
FEBRUARY, 1961
WATERFRONT
According to your rulers.' . ..
·YOU'VENEVER HADIT- SO GOOD! By "ARCADIAN" MINISTERIAL addresses given at meetings held from time to time Por't: and see where this desirable throughout the country are to be taken with a grain of salt; but spirit manifests itself. As already during January two speeches were reported which, if indicative of things mentioned, two disastrous strikes to come, should arouse considerable interest among workers id this occurred last year. Both were comport. pletely unnec~ssary, and .neither if the The first was given by Mr. for Industry and Commerce, in would have occurred Childers, Minister for Transport Dun Laoghaire. He mentioned :t;hat management concerned had shown and Power, at the Wex;ford it was most encouraging and a spark of that spirit of u nd erChamber of Commerce. He stated gratifying to notice in recent time~ standing which Mr. Lynch so that " a truly dynamic wind of that " a spirit of understanding naively believes to be manifesting change was blowing through the between employer and worker had itself The fact is that a uniformly uncountry." He informed us, for in- emerged. This spirit," he said, stance, that C.I.E. revenue had in- "might succeed in. eliminating or enlightened policy is pursued by creased by £900,000 in 1960 against mitigating those difficulties and the shipowners of Dublin, and in 1959, and that Aer Lingus and the distrusts which had in the past no sphere is this more clearly demonstatred than in their unIrish International Airlines had acted as a barrier to progress." It i.s indeed good to be assured realistic and" muddled approach to reached new records. E.S.B., Bord na Mona and :t;he fisheries had had by a Minister that progress is being the container problem. 'This sorry a most successful year. But the achieved; but let us examine the dispute has been protracted beyond gem of his speech was when· he stated that consumers had spent more and saved more in 1960 than ;, , in 1959. • Now, unless we are very much By " BLUE CHIN JOE " mistaken, consumers are those The Port has a rash, a whiskery rash; people who buy for consumption; A malady sad and distressing. that is, goods no't: intended for The young men in beards are cutting a dash, further production. That includes And the ~Ider ones find it depressing ! most workers in this port and we can understand readily that most Now why do the lads hide their faces so much ? workers have spent more in 1960 Can it be they're ashamed to be seen ? than in 1959, due to the simple Or is it the girls prefer the beard's touch fact that there have been increases To the feel of a face shaven clean ? in 'the prices of basic necessities Or maybe they're biding from creditors (bush !), like bread and butter-, not. to And the face-fungi acts as disguise. mention the penny on the pint! If so, they'll need whiskers as thick as a bush; We do not, however, know of any For those fellows have mighty sharp eyes ! workers in the Port ·who have saved more than in 1959. It is Whatever the reason the beards grow apace; doubtful if one such person exists They're sprouting all over the quays; in Dockland. And us shaven goons are losing the race. The second meeting was May their whiskers grow down to their knees! ~ addressed by Mr. Lynch, Minister ~~MM,v\M,~
THE CULT OF THE BEARD!
all reason, and it is becoming increasingly clear that the employers are determined to avoid a settlement except on terms which are completely unacceptable to the men and the Unions. In other labour relations fields, it is obvious that management generally is badly in need of a shot in the arm. Where, for instanc~, in the whole Port can one find management-worker discussion on policy? In other lands such discussions are an accepted feature of the industrial fabric; and are immensely fruitful and beneficial. But 1 here such a step would be regarded as retrograde, the prevailing managerial attitude being that to enter into such discussons would be a sign of weakness on the part of the employing class. In view of all this, it is gratifyi~g to learn from Mr. Lynch that progressive management is developing somewhere in the country. We· only hope it manifests itself among managements here before Dublin becomes a ghost port on the east coast! It was S. Courtauls, we believe, who once said that . directors should remember that investors invested money whereas workers invested their lives. Let it be clearly stated then that the messenger boy, docker, checker, storeman and clerk have invested their lives in the Port of Dublin and will stand on their right to a fair dividend from their investment.
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FIREPLACES
SHORTALLS
ALL
121 NORTH STRAND ROAD
OUR
Telephone 43621
OWN
AGENT FOR LUXAFLEX VENETIAN BLINDS ' AND
B.S.A.
TELEVISION ALL MAKES
BEDDING
BICYCLES BALES, ETC
MAKE
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FEBRUARY, 1961
FIVE
WATERFRONT
Here's the start.of a series of critical analyses of the Union its structure and components. month a controversial figure. '_ . • .
THE
We study this
snop· STEWARD
SPEARHEAD?
TROUBLE-SHOOTER ?
LAWGIVER?..
Probably no figure has acquired such prominence in the has his uses. When, for example, duced from the repljes -of five i~dustriat fabric of today as the shop steward. To say that he a minor cns1s arises and officials rank-and-file workers questioned cannot be found or are not avail- about their shop steward The first is ~ non-commissioned officer of the army of Labour would be able (as so oftel}; happens !), it is man answered: "He's all right." an understatement. the shop steward who keeps the The second man: " He's a chancer, On the job, he is, to all intents and purposes, his Union. He is the embodiment of its principles, the interpreter of its aims, and the guardian of its rights. He. is the §Ymbol of his age-some would say the curse of his age, • In theory, of course, the term "shop steward " can be easily and sharply defined. A shop steward is one who collects subscriptions from his members, pays them in at the Branch office, and reports complaints to his Branch secretary. Just that, and nothing more (and we know a Jot of people who would be very happy iif he were kept rigidly to this simple schedule and never allowed to overstep itl) .. But in practice we know that the shop steward has far outgrown these basic functions. The big Unions have bec<;:>me vast and complex organisations, and the role of the shop steward has risen accordingly, until today his duties and activities are multifarious and there is no prescribed limit to the power he may wield or the prestige he may acquire. He wi)l almost certainly be a member of the Branch Committee, and may be the Chairman or a Trustee o.f the Branch. He will be on familiar terms with most officers of the Union, and will have the ear of the General President. To. a large extent, of- course, the
John Fitzsimons CONTRACTOR MOTOR HAULAGE
LORRIES FOR HIRE Phone : 78841
46 NORTH WALL DUBLIN
pure and simple." The third: "A clever man gorie wrong." No, 4: " The best shop steward we ever had." No. 5: "He's a two-faced soand-so." You can pay your money and take your choice. But whatever you may think and whatever the Union thinks, some g,eneral conclusions may be safely drawn. There is little doubt that the shop steward has rendered immense and inestimable service to the Union and the great mass of membership, So the dames are invading our paper, and is today indispensible both to Union machinery and to his memAnd a Woman's Page now we're to see. bers' well-being. He can be relied I don't know what you think of this caper upon always to apply the ·corrective But it smells like a man-hunt to me ! ' to official complacency, the spur to Where now shall we hide, with our paper official indolence. Similarly, he will Exposed to the wiles of the gals ? administer the cold douche of Our freedom will dwindle and taper, sanity to the too fanciful ·demands And so will our bachelor pals !, of his memberes, and give drive The flag " Men Alone " should be hoisted; and direction to their legitimate The banner "No Women" unfurled; aspirations. And this challenge,· so craftily foisted In short, he is irreplaceable; and Back in their lip-stick be hurled ! we are censtrained to believe that without him the Union, top-heavy Yes, lads, it's a war I'm declaring; with .officialdo,m and stultified by A war on the lace and the fluff, the " head-office -complex " (a new Let's keep "Waterfront" free and uncaring P,henomenon which is beginning to And pack off the dames in a huff ! disturb many thinking trade unionists) would Jose drive and zeal Oratorical gifts are not infrequent, that is a folly not easily to be and would cease to ·be the great power in the industrial structure and many a shop steward is more excused fluent at conferences than the - And ~hat 'of the Urtion's attitude that it is today. Next Month: The Branch Com• officer invested by the Union with to the shop steward? Strange to the official duty of representation. say, it fluctuates like that of the mittee. In fact, in Dockland at any rate, employers. It alters from one the official is becoming increasingly offcial to another, and from one dependent on the shop steward. level of Union authority to the next. Nor would it be a new exPoS{,ibly no figure is regarded perience to see a shop· steward with such mixed feelings· as the standing out .against the Union on ~E~-LT~ shop steward. The attitude of the a major ~ssue for the good of his SAVOYBUILDIN~ ' ' shipowners, for instance, varies members. In such circumstances ♦ ♦ , UPILO'CONNELL "; from one ,extreme to the other. At officials are extremely irked with \ $TRli£T,DUllllN. I " 1f/' WMkly tEUPHONE47'91. 'I times they look on him as a devil him, and forget in their impatience Hd11cln9t• AMTllESTATE,~· • with horns, an evil which must be that he is the evange)ist and the 7/6 WMklJ PHIISIOflO'Ttl.4'l6l ' • UPP..OEOI\G&'UT. eradicated. But there are occasions propagandist-aqd at times the Aerial, extre OUN IAOO_ IWII!. ,,. frM Se"lce Tel.EPIIO"!E861$)1\_ (and these are occurring with more saviour~of the Union. ·~ ODION AND 11.~ C:INIM~UlTl....-l and more frequency) when they What, finally, do the member~ are impel)ed to recognise that he I think? Theii;: attitude may be deshop steward's influence will work going; and in nine cases out of depend on his personality; and pos- ten he resolves the dispute and adsi·bi!ity nothing illustrates the justs the matter on the s'pot. The pot\!ntialities of the office so much shop steward is in point of fact as the power which accrues to a seldom a hothead but a reasonable man of adequate mental capacity. man. who will almost always be on Dominant personalities ,indeed are the side of discipline and will not rare in the Port of Dublin.- oppose precipitate action, and to Sprinkled among the lesser lights condemn him because he is of are men of outstanding ability. rrecessity obdurate in this issue or
DECLARATION OF· WAR!
TV
,.
~
SIX
WATERFRONT
FEBRUARY, 1961
7 0 TBE EDJ7.0B
LETTERS
tons. She then sails for Plymouth or Southampton, to pick up a mere 10 tons for Dublin next time round. This is the ludicrous situation confronting our exporters; and ·as Liverpool own the ships, nothing can be done about it.
bu-t.one may ask what was to stop the chartering of a ship, to oblige Sir,-Now that we have em- absence of a direct service is almost the shippers and relieve the conbarked on a big export drive, and farcical. What is the state of affairs gestion. On the North Wall the are making all out efforts in that today? Two ship's • (botb • Coast position is similar. Cargo is left direction, the time has come to Lines) attend to the Dublin-London in the sheds for days waiting for look into the matter of transporta- service; but, believe it or not, an opportunity (as when the cattle tion of our produce. The Govern- goods shipped from Dublin on trade is slack) to get it away; and On the Manchester run things, the exporters just have, to, lump it. ment has ,set up various Boards to Tuesday arrive in London on the but still leave . a increase ,exports, and there are a following Thursday week! This are better, In British Railways, too, the emto be desired. Before· phasis is on imports, and there is number of bodies which specialise factor immediately limits the type Jot for about three the same negative and unhelpful in routing goods for the importer of cargo because of the nine-days Christmas, to various parts of the world. Our· lapse between ·1anding and dis- weeks, hundreds of tons of cargo attitude towards outgoing goods . .nearest neighbour is Great Britain, charging. When. the London 'boat lay on the South Quays for ship- The tycoons of British Railways, and at first sight one would say leaves Dublin, she goes to Liver- ment to Manchester. To be sure like the bosses of Coast Lines, are there is an edequate service to that pool first, and is left there for four the management had the excuse doing litt)e to help and much to country. But this unhappily is not days, often to load only seventy that the ship had broken down; hinder our efforts to sell abroad. the case, as anyone with a knowIn shqrt, British shipowners have ledge of shipping can testify. little interest in the Republic's export trade; and this trade canAt the moment we are almost not expand unless their policy is completely dependent on British reversed. They have the ships and WHATEVER : YOUR POSITION ships and British companies for they have the know-how, but the our Cross-Channel services. It is will and the interest are lacking. becoming only too clear that these We, the citizens of the Republic, companies are not interested in should take a hand in the game. assisting our export drive, and, Exports are vital to the national their laxity if allowed to continue economy. Obviously, the goods we may seriously affect our economy. can sell to Britain are more imThe Coast Lines company for portant to us than the goods we instance owns the B. & I.; and it have to buy from her. We should would appear they are more contherefore call on the Government cerned with fostering imports to to take action in the matter, and Ireland rather than exports from compel, the people who control our there. This is evident when we shipping lines to give the same consider that some years ago the attention to Irish exporters as they B. & I. company operated five do to British. A fair deal for Irish ships directly between Dublin and exporters should be the watchword, London, but today there is no and the first step is the restoration direct link, of a direct service to London. The position resulting from this -"IRELAND FIRST."
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FEBRUARY,
1961
WATERFRON.J'
Letters
to the Editor
OUR LADY'S MEMORIAL Mr. Editor,-Since the publication of my Jetter in reference to Our Lady's Memorial, in your much needed paper, I was very pleased and surprised at the extent of your circulation. Since my Jetter appeared I have ha.d numerous requests for information, and one request in particular came from an Irish nun in a convent in Italy. To be sure I answered all letters, and as a result we have received donations from people who teIJ us it was the first time they heard of the project. Those letters gave us great encouragement and helped to convince us that once the work was started. and our project got' the necessary publicity, the remainder of the money would be readily subscribed. In your next issue I ;i.m hoping to give your readers more information as to the actual start, as
SEVEN
ST. BARNABASARTICLE WELCOMED
our architect has told us he intends to invoke tenders for the work in the near future. At the present time we have a few projects on hand to raise funds. British Railways are putting on a show for us in the Marian Hall, Lansdowne Road, on the 10th February; Glasnevin Musical Society are putting on a show in the Gresham Hotel on the 23rd April; and we ourselves are running a sweep on :the Derby. We si.ncerely hope those enterprises will get the necessary .support to make them successful.
Now, in conclusion, I would like to thank all those who sent in subscriptions in answer to my appeal, particularly the B. & . I. checkers, storemen, and carters on both the Nor:th and South Wall; the B. & I. south side dockers, and the North Wall cattle drovers and agents; who have all sent in some TAKE A BOW, very generous subscriptions, which PROFESSOR! have all been acknowledged by Sir,-In the Jan, issue I missed our Reverend Chairman:· the monthly discourse •of Professor William Nelson. McCarthy on the jargon of Dock-, land. I enjoyed-very much reading the discourses but I suppose that like the creamy pint, all good things must come to an end. However maybe he might take pen in hand once again and have the following words translated. (1) A potwallopi,r; (ii) "Up-An-Inch"; (iii) the origin and meaning of stoning. "We're all going to Cardiffl" Licensed to haul ALL
Sir,-A lot of readers were pleased by the review of St. Barnabas Church in your January issue, and the very nice picture accompanying it. As an old resident, I was particularly glad of the tribute paid to the late Canon Hall, whom I' remember well. It was fn the year 1919, according to my recollection, that Canon Hall initiated the great housing drive in the area by setting up the St. Barnabas Public Utility Society, and two years later the first houses were completed and named St. Barnabas Gardens. Two of these twelve houses, it is good to note, are still occupied by the families of the original holders. After the Free State came into being, in 1924, a fresh building scheme was undertaken; and more houses were erected in Seaview Avenue, Crescent Gardens, Strangford Road and Strangford Gardens. "Utility Road " and "Utility Gardens" were the original names given to the two last, after· the St. Barnabas Public. Utility Society.
(jAWLEY
MAIL COACH·ROAD, SLIGO
A DOUBTING THOMAS Sir,-Your poet who issued an invitation to employers to write for "Waterfront" (Jany. issue) overlooks the fact that many of them couldn't reach the standard of responsible journalism evidenced in your paper from month to month_. Maybe they cannot write right ! ! ! " Safety First."
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In a number of these houses the families of the original participants in the scheme are still Jiving. And the outstanding feature of the scheme is that in most cases the occupiers, after paying a weekly "rent" to meet capital and interest repayments, now own their own homes. Canon Hall's scheme was, of course, entirely non-profitmaking. In all some 175 houses were built between the years 1919 and 1926 under the various schemes initiated by Canon Hall. Many people will still recall the time when there was nothing but fields where houses now stand, and Nugent's horses galloped there as recently as 1929. It is pleasing to record that today two Misses ..,. Nugent still reside in the old home-<"' at 130 Church Road. "Over the Hill."
THE STATUE Sir,-Congratulations on the great publicity you are giving to the project of Our Lady's Memorial. If "Waterfront " does nothing else but help forward this wonderful work, the paper will justify its existence. I think you are right in urging the Statue Cmmittee to make a start on the actual ere.ction. This Committee has done magnificent work in the collection of funds and preparing the ground and now is the time to crown their efforts by getting the project under way. Once s_tarted, they will not be left short of whatever money may be needed for its completion. I am perfectly certain the workers will see to that. So good luck to the Committee in its great drive, and good luck to " Waterfront" in its publicity; and let us hope 1961 will see the Statue a reality. Harry ·Jackson.
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WATERFRONT
EIGHT
Our roving reporter "Tempus," has a remedy for malaria.
FEBRUARY, 1961
meets many a queer character. Here he reports an interview with a man who •
COALIE WITH THE
old " coalie" looked at his pint, and gave a slight shiver. " Perhaps," I suggested, " a drop of the craythur might warin you up before you tackle the pint." "Well alright," he said "if you insist; but really what's wrong with me is a touch of oul' malaria. A half, you know, is not worth a curse for malaria. It's a hard thing to get rid of, and there was only one man I ever knew who got completely cured of malaria." "Well," I said, "that's interesting; perhaps you'll tell me who that would be." " It was this way," he said, as he leaned his shovel against the bar and spat expertly into the on)y two square inches of space visible amongst the hob nailed boots on the bar-room floor; "I lived with me widowed inother on one landing, and across from us lived me Aunt Mary, a spinster. I was only a nipper, and over us on the next landing lived oul' J"ack Duff, who wouldn't go near anything only a coal boat, the reason being. he used to tell us, he spent some time in the Black Hole of Calcutta, and ever since he seemed to feel at home in the coalboats. "Well to get on with the yarn, me Aunt Mary one Christmas got a present of a quart of Rye Whiskey from a relative; and, being a hospitable woman, on Christmas morning she brings in oul' Jack Duff, produces the quart, and gives him a cup of whiskey. 'ih', says oul' Jack, 'sw-e its heaven sent;
,OUL' FIZZER'S SCHOOL By PETER WARREN Ah, Village of childhood! My heart stands still When I think of those days on Washwoman's Hill. With bag on my back-a stubborn mule, ,I dragged weary legs to Oul' Fizzer's School. With rollicking noise we played with a ball, While some tardy scholars sat by the wall, Scanning theit books for rivers and pools We knew most of these in Oul' Fizzer's School. And when at the door, the Master appeared, To ring out the bell with sound loud and clear We ran to our desks-the infants to stools In Miss Scully's class,-in Oul' Fizzer's School. Fr~m history books and Ancient Tomes We learnt of Caesar, the fall of Rome. Then on to Euclid, the Master passes, We learnt about the Bridge of Asses. When in disgrace you were sent to the line, To join truant, mitcher, and "Never-In-Tipie "; Your heart would be sad, you envied the rest Reciting and reading at Oul' Fizzer's desk.
We must again warn contributors that anonymous letters and articles cannot under any circumstances be considered for publication. All contributions must be endorsed with the author's name, though we will publish under a nom-de-plume if desired. Contributors can greatly_ help us also by observing the following three simple rules: I. Write on one side of the
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I'm getting twinges of me oul' malaria again'. Three mornings later at half-past seven we were all awakened by a crash. and I ran out on the landing after me mother, and there's poor Jack out to the world lying on the landing. Me mother and Aunt Mary w~re in an
A deep-sea stalwart contributes a nostalgic poem, which will set many of us thinking of other days-and other schools.
NOTICE TO CONTRIBUTORS
paper only. 2. Leave an inch margin at left-ha nd side. 3• Leave a two-inch margin at top of front page (for fiea ing and instructions to printer, tc. . Thank you!
A CURE!
To singing we trooped with laughter and glee, To learn songs of Erin-the land of the free. Of all the dear memories which cling to my heart This time of enchantment of me is a part. Drill time for us came second best, Ljttle legs marched with precision and zest. We ran and we jumped, straight as a rule; There were no crooked backs in Oul' Fizzer's School. In a life that was hard, sorrow I've seen. But Fate has been kind-my memory Is keen. And I thank the Good Lord for his glimpse of Heaven Which brings back these days in St. Mobhi's, Glasnevin Very dear are these memories in th~ heart of a fool, Who learned "Love thy neighbour" in Oul' Fizzer's School. NOTE-The.School referred to is the Glasnevin Model School the head master being Mr. M. Fitzpatrick, M,A. (R.I.P.), kdown r-- affectionately to the pupils as "Old Fizzer". P.W.
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awful state, until Aunt Mary thinks of his malaria. Out she comes with a cup of rye, and we pour it down Jack's open mouth; and in a few minutes, so help me, he's on his feet and struggling off to work. "After this Jack's attacks of malaria became fairly frequent, and often in the mornings at half-past seven you'd see a little gathering of spectators from the landings above and below us, to witness Jack's malaria and his revival with the cup of whiskey. Many were the tributes paid to Jack's bravery, the way he'd insist on going to work after his fit of malaria and his cup of whiskey. This went on steadily until poor Aunt Mary -caught a severe cold; and one morning there • were the spectators, there was Jack lying on the landing, there was me mother; but no Aunt Mary and no cup of rye. "But me mother was alw;ays a great woman in an. emergency. Without a moment's hesitation. back she trots into her room and pours out a cupful of holy wate.r, intending to sprinkle poor Jack with it, Back she comes to the landing and poor oul' Jack in his semi-conscious state grabs '1:qe cup out of her hand and in one second downs the contents. I can still see his face as he jumped t•o his feet. 'What's in the' cup?' says he. 'Holy water,' says me mother. 'Well heaven bless you!' says he,. just like that, giving her a look I can't describe. "Would you believe me," wound up the old coalie, "Jack never had another twinge of malaria after that, and for many a day afterwards the people around the neighbourhood spoke of the wonderful powers of me mother's holy water." SITUATIONS VACANT A Sports Editor is needed for "Waterfront,''' also ,more· writers and artists and rewrite men. To· the right people, with the -right qualifications, we can offer plenty of spare time work-and no pay!
WATBRFRONT
FEBRUARY, 1961
WOMANJS
NINE
PAGE· • • •
EDITED BY ANTOINETTE
TRAGEDY OF A TYPIST
- CHALLENGE OF THE SEA
Yes, I've quit. For over two years now I've been trying. Winter, This is Antoinette calling. I do hoJ>eyou enjoyed reading the latest addition to "Waterfront". I am, of course, referring to Summer, Autumn, Spring; hail, rain and snow, sleet or sun~it is in vain. Well, girls, I've arrived at a conclusion. It is impossible to "Woman's Page," 'and I hope none of you wiD be shy in writing work in a North Wall office and look beautiful.
.
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When I get up early and apply make-up leisurely, I ought to look
We all know how terrible the haw many lives it has claimed? well on arrival. Do I? Not at all. The demon of the North Wall is weather has been this winter W!ho knows the agony of mind at work. An icy wind blows in from the Lilley; my skin tingles at and probably most of us can it has caused •the few survivors first, then it smarts, and finally it actually aches. When I do arrive at boast of having had 'the flu'. of a shipwreck? Think of a the office, I look vile. My cheeks have acquired a deep blue tinge, and After a hard day's work on the captain's mind as he decides my nose is like a traffic beacon, quays or in the office we can whether or not he wiU risk the Yes, one grows disheartened. If I have my hair set, next morning relax before a nice fire with lives of his crew and passengers it rains and a howling gale suddenly surprises me. I gaze dolefully at perhaps a book or tuned in to 'Think how bravely he stands the damp lank tresses and also notice my best mascara making an our favourite radio or T.V. alone and defenceless on his ..,,iusual blue streak down my face. programme. But stop for a sinking vessel, when all others Of course Summer comes, and one hopes for better times. I moment and think of those at have deserted him. sea! Some may be enjoying Yes, we're lucky to be on alight from the bus gaily at O'Connell Bridge, .but ere I reach the blue skies and bright sunshine "terra firma" but the call of Custom House my nice crisp summer frock hangs limply due to that but others may be at the mercy the sea is strong and surely if sudden summer rain. If I come fully equipped for inclement weather, of the ocean. ever we have to answer that by some strange act of Fate, the sun shines. Now this is a shock to us The sea, which. can be so call, we'l1 hold o~r heads high a>I, but I also get another shock. I trip over my umbrella, leave a calm and inviting on a sum- and with. faith in our hearts stilletto heel in the cobbles, and tear my plastic mack. So I still arrive • mer's day, often on a winter's say, "the sea i's His and He at the office with the additional burden of a bad temper. When you read this I don't know what you will think. I do know night becomes a terrible and made it." what) believe. Yes, I'm convinced of it. There is a ghost wh.o stalks treacherous thing. Who can tell -Antoinette.
·WILL ANY GENTLEMAN?
MORE TIME OFF, PLEASE!
Dear Antoinette, I am a poor junior typist who has just started work in a shipping company. Would someone please be good enough to answer my cry of despair, and enlighten me on two questions: Where is port and starboard, and, what are the fore and after sides? These terms are ringing in my ears day after day but still they are not clear, so perhaps someone might explain them to me. Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered.
Dear Antoinette, I hasten to contribute to your page, as I believe this is just what is needed to boost " WATERFRONT" and provide the girls of dockland with a means of airing their views. It is my opinion that girls should not be requested to work overtime more than one night per month, and that it is most unreasonable of employers to expect girls to work three or four nights per week endeavouring to keep work up to date. If employers have so much business that empJoyees cannot cope with during normal working hours, then there is an ample labour pool that can be recruited from and the extra girl or girls should be employed. I will even go so far as to say MUST be employed, and that no overtime concession of- more than one night per month should be considered, In conclusion .may I request more co-ope~;tion frotti the male ·members of the staff who still consider themselves the Masters. Harrassed Typist.
CommissionSalesmen and Auctioneers
JOSEPH M.DUFFY M.I.A.A,
CORPORATION FRUIT MARKET FRESH FLOWERS DAILY PHONE. 43788
by the riverside. He is the ghost of the Age of Unbeautiful Girls and he is trying to bring back the conditions that existed· in' his lifetime. So what chance have we girls ? • ' Aisling.
I ask yo,u !
Dear Antoinette, ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I feel I must speak out against Dear Antoinette, the display of vulgarism I witnessed at a recent staff dress dance, of a Many thanks for publishing my shipping company, niece's poem. I hope it will help I believe this display is known as her to write more. "jive", "bop", "jitterbugging", or One who has paid a dear price just plain "Rock 'n Roll'.'. This consists of arms and legs flying akimbo, for soldiering. girls being shoved in and out, here. Patrick Fox. there and everywhere accompanied , by screams and shouts of derisive .--------------. laughter. In my day, to be a lady was to act as one and indeed the age of chivalry has definitely passed, judging from the lack of respect shown by these Gentlemen to their respective ladies. Funeral Undertakers and J· wonder could any reader exSelf-drive Services plain this barbarism to me ? Grieved Gerty.
T.STAFFORD and Sons,Ltd. 60 NORTH STRAND
D.UBLIN CURRAN'SCOAL NO WAITING Phone 47056/7 CURRAN Nth. Strand Road, Dublin
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DAY AND NIGHT'
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WATERFRON'f
'TRIBULATIONS OF THE CUSTOMS CLERK
FEBRUARY, 1961
SIR ALFRED READECUP DUBLIN SCORESAGAIN By MIKE MORRISROE
By "SOUTHSIDER" A
large
contingent
of
sup- centre-half
headed
a spectacular
The Customs Clerks who work in a large shipping company porters accompanied the B. & I. goal from a corner, This score, on the Quays have many and varied duties. In fact, short of Dublin team to Liverpool, where however, was immedjately negasweepiJDgfloors and cleaning windows, they are required to do they were to play Newcastle in the tived by Dave Dwiney, who almost anything and everything. They sort ships' papers, make Semi-Finals. Also on board the returned the comp)iment with an " Irish Coast" were the Cork team equally fine header. The match out fifobacks, number filebacks, register files, advise the various who were drawn against Liverpool. then became a very one-sided consignees for more papers, prepare Customs entries and ~ss If a tussle of giants' was expected affair, and further goals came from Customs duties. They pester clerical officers ·in the Customs to it did not materialise, for Dublin McCabe, Murphy, and Cahill. Thus at the interval the score pass the entries, chas:e landing officers to clear the goods, and soon showed they were vastly the better team. They were quickly stood at 6-1 in favour of Dublin. finally bully the storage and cartage depts to deliver the goods. into their stride with early goals by The second half was uneventful Yet, believe it or believe it not, some people complain of delays Murphy and Cahill. Newcastle except for a goal by Noone from in Customs clearance and delivery ! ! ! rallied temporarily when their a penalty, leaving Dub)in worthy You may get the impression that these customs clerks are highly thought of by the firm, but this is definitely not so; and in fact they are treated most unfairly. Theircomp)aints and pleas for extra staff and a more up-to-date filing system are ignored. They point out that traffic has increased and consequently their work has increased.
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All to no avail ! Nothing is done, and a few more grey hairs appear on the head of the poor harrassed and .overworked Customs clerk. But a day will dawn when the Customs clerk will no longer make light of his crushing difficulties, when he will become frustrated and soured by the inability and unwillingness of the management to give him the co-operation he asks for, and will consent no longer to prostitute his talents. When that day come& there will be a tr,emendous explosion, and someone will get hurt. And I lay even, it won't be the Customs Clerk!
UNION
CHIEF HITS OUT
The annual general meetling of No. 1 Branch of the I.T.G.W.U. was held on Sunday, February 5. Mr. John Conroy, General President, delivered a short but characteristical]y pungent address, in which he pinpointed the scandalous contrast between extreme . poverty and shameless opulence in Dublin. This aspect of his speech was not enlarged upon in the Press (naturally); nor was it 1'eported that he declared a more militant approach was essential if the workers were to benefit from increased _{>roductivity,He was in fuU sympathy, he said, with the efforts of Mr. Lemass to increase the national income; but at no time had he heard any employer or professional man say how the worker was to get his share, or even that he was entlitled to a share. The attendance was good, but not nearly good enough. Attendances at most Branch meetings in most Unions are indeed lamentably small. One wonders when the workers will realise their great strength and forego some of their pleasures to attend these vital gatherings, if <not to help themselves then to assist some luckJess group of fellow-workers who perhaps lack the industrial strength to attain a just wage and adequate living standards. The Branch Secretary, Mr. M. Dunbar, reported a substantial increase in incomc_and membership., He exhorted all members to clear up all arrears and to pay their subscriptions regularly, so that they could avail fully of benefits. "Waterfront" under1ines this exhortation. We will go further, and say that any person in full employment should and must carry a clear card in the Union to which he belongs. Otherwise he is a danger to all.
winners to the tune of 7-1. To the credit -of Newcastle I must say they tried very hard throughout; but they came nowhere near equalling the teamwork of the Dublin side, ably skippered by Frank Scully. The Cork team were less fortunate. They were beaten 4-1 by Liverpool in a hard tussle . Later, after an enjoyable lunch in the staff canteen, the visitors descended on Goodison Park to see the Everton v. Bolton match. The game was disappointing, and it was unanimously voted that Transport v. Bohs would serve up better stuff at home. The visitors are now back home, cock-a-hoop over their victory. They are looking forward to the Final, and are confident the Cup is in the bag, I wouldn't be surprised !
· OUT-SHIPPED! Owing to extreme pressure of space, we are reluctarttly obliged· to hold over our popular Famous Families and Church series this month. Both series will be resumed in the March isue.
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TELEGRAMS CONLISHA W DUBLIN
1
I
FEBRUARY, 1961
WATERFRONT
ELEVEN
DEANSWIFTKNEW HI_SONIONS! (OR DID 'HE?) By DERRICKDAWSON •·'.--;,;jlj
a bird never flew on one wing, you have your second; then a third and fourth, and so on. What happens? Why, you wake up in the morning and find you have put your shoes and socks to bed and slept on the floor! The mouth is the·same birdWhen I first read these words, quite a few years ago, I did not drink cage bottom, only with several and therefore their truth escaped me. Now, however, a seasoned birds in it now; and the head? You ~oozer, I realise that in those few lines is portrayed the average drinkers' haven't got one! You're numb from the ankles up. life. We won't dwell on "being dry," The first few "bottles" or "pints" shoes and socks. One thing be- as most drinkers can stow away can represent the "good wine", comes crystal clear - you can't quite a few without being dry; and as for "lest we should be by and because when one has acquired a drink it all night. taste for porter, no wine on earth Now for the " Friend." To meet by," we can best compare this to can compare with it (provided one this friend, just go alone into any the few "quick ones" we grasp remembers one is only learning!). Dublin pub and sit at the bar; and before a union meeting or before The tang of the stout is wonder- unless you are very unlucky you taking the wife to the pictures in ful and one is apt to declare these will soon get into ·conversation case the pubs are shut when we get famous last words: " I could drink with the "Friend". He will tell you out. No, the most profound part ' this all night." When you wake up his life story and you will tell yours; of this verse is "Or any other in the morning (with a head full of and when you can't drink much reason why." The number of pneumatic drills and a mouth feel- more stout, he will roar: "What reasons a drinker can think up for ing like the bottom of a bird cage) you want is a half!" So you have having a few jars is wonderful, To you find you have slept in your your first taste of whiskey; and as mention just a few, we have, births,
deaths, and marriages; engagements and. breaking of engagements; soccer matches, Gaelic matches. hurling matches; rugby, cricket or hockey matches; promotion, demotions and dismissals; ;yars and rumours of wars, etc., etc. A man can's just say he's going for a drink and leave it at that. No, he ,bas to have a long-winded excuse. Well, thank goodness, I have finished in nice time for a pint; so I'll just tell the wife I'm slipping down the road. "Honey, I'm off for a pint. Won't be a minute. I'll just have one and come straight back." Honey replies: "What do you want to go down there for?" "Well, sweetheart, you see, next week starts Lent and as you know I'm going off the beer; so I thought I'd have one last fling and anyway I have a headache and a touch of a toothache; so bye-bye, Honey; and pJease take my shoes and socks off before you put me to bed! "
regret was occasioned by his premature demise. The deep-sea section has not escaped unscathed, for two of the great oJd-'timers have departed. One was Willie Flood, who was well-known and respected throughout the Extension, and the other was Wi!]iam Fitzsimons, universally known as " Stranny". A famous figure indeed, "Stranny" was a member of the celebrated St. Mary's team that won All-Ireland honours (in fact, the first of the three in a row during the twenties).
"Stranny" would surely be with us many more years were it not for an injury he sustained at work; and of course the pernicious Workmen's Compensation Act made sure that he went to his grave without justice. ••Waterfront" regrets the passing of all these Dockland personalities, and respectfully offers deepest sympathy to their bereaved families and friends. •
The great Dean Swift once wrote : " If all be true, that I do think, There are five reasons why we drink. Good wine; a friend; or being dry; Or lest we should be by and by; Or any other reason why."
OBITUARY The Port has been hard hit by death in recent weeks, and many noted workers in various categories hav,e passed to their reward. The death of P. Vicars, B. & I. was untimely, for he was a comparatively young man, and his demise was widely regretted. John Darcy also, of the Bristol Co., was still in his prime; and his death was unexpected as well as untimely. The Burns & Lairds lost a popular old-stager in the person of J. Teeling; and the death of Jack Kavanagh, a well-known figure for many decades on the quays, evoked wide sympathy in British Railways and the B. & I. Billy Ebbs, an old-tiine checker of t;he B. & I. and Merchants Warehou~e staffs, died recently at an advanced age. Only days separated his demise from that of Larry Doherty, a retired B. & I. foreman who, like BiJly, was held in high esteem. Larry was a devoted Lar kini te all his life, an<l- a pillar qf the W.U.I. In British Railways
I the death occurred of the popular Paddy (" Spoiler ") Sherwin for many years a prominent North Wall docker. The death of Leo Halpin, of the I.T.G.W.U., was a real shock to the Port. He ;yas only 47 years old, and a most active Branch official, he was a well-known figure in Dockland, where he represented his Union at many important meetings and conferences. Widespread
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Fana;:an's Funeral Directors
54 AUNGIER STREET PHONE DUBLIN 54101 ALSO AT 104 RANELAGH'
CONTRADICTION There is no truth in the rumour that the multi-million "Daily Mirror·"· group have made a substantial offer for the p11rchaseof "Waterfront." Nor, needless to say, would any such offer be accepted. "Waterfront" is beyond price! If, however, any Press tycoon wishes to study a really free and independent paper (to see what such a rarity is like), we will gladly send him a copy of "Waterfront" at threepence a time, plus postage!
TWELVE
WATERFRONT
FEBRUARY, 1961
SPOTLIGHT ON ....
CL'ERICAL GRADING SYSTEM By "G~ADE C." ~O
factors influence grading in clerical employment in the Port. A. Messenger or simpler forms of a " nautical " flavour applicable • the Port: They are the promotion ratio and the promotion system. Briefly sorting. the " promotion ratio " is a fii;ure which indicates the opportunity for B. Tasks carried out according to (i) Arranging insurance on conwell defined rules e.g. timepromotion for the average employee. Thus if the promotion ratio is signments and the preparing 1 table and short-period control. 1 in 2, the employee knows that all things being equal one in every of bills of lading, calculating value, cubic capacity, drafting two will be upgraded during his term of office. The " promotion C. Routine tasks carried out as system " is the complex arrangement whereby an employee can put of import and export docuabove but requiring a reasonhimself in_line for recognition as a person worthy of promotion. ments, bank lodgements, able degree of experience or routine P.A.Y.E. and accountspecial aptitude. Intrinsically every,body within answered; in th4, way he can iming attached thereto. Group E an organisation is reporting on prove his conduct along the lines D. Tasks requiring considerable (ii) Supervision of last three above experience and some degree of somebody else, and convers]y of the method and at the same time mentioned. Group F. initiative. everybody is .being reported upon. give his employer improved (jii) Registering of documents in Merit rating is the systematic standards. E. Tasks requiring a significant serial numbers, stamping ot. assessment of employees in their measure of discretion and With regard to promotion ratios, filies and filing. Group B. line of duty, based on these reports. (iv) Posting of accounts. Group D. Employee appraisal, staff reporting, (v) Conducting correspondence an.d management appraisal are other with shipping companie~ ,renames for it; and it is in effect an garding shipping and transadministrative device wfth ancillary port .. Group E. advantages to management. The My dressing table is a mess; (vi) The preparation of statisti~ use of the word systematic in I must clean up, I feel. statements for management. describing assessment is of paraI bet my boy friends never guesti Group F. mount importance because it proThat half of my appeal (vii) Preparation of cost and hibits evaluation from an isolated departmental accounts to Is so dependent on a row incic;Ient, a " hunch" or a personal agreed prescription. Group E. Of bottled glamour-gear. op1mon. A systematic appraisal (viii) Copy Typist. Group B. They'll never know how much I owe wm permit a proper comparison to (ix) Typing non routine corresTo my cosmetics here! be made • between employees, and pondence (100 w.p.m. required will be the yardstick when suitThere are creams that cleanse and moisten in s.h.). Group D. ' ability is in question. Various means Then beautify my skin; (x) Private secretarial work. Group tor accurate reporting are used. Mascara is so helpful when E& f. Written reports are popular but Eyelashes are quite thin. (xi) Supervision of small number ol. unsatisfactory. Chart systems, typists. Group E. My eyes look nicer when the lids ranking devices, paired compari(xii) Operating switchboard and A subtle shadow wear, sons and forced choices are comrecording charges but afing as And every good beautician bids: plicated systems but are nevertheoperator or supervisor. Group " Dab rouge on here and th1:re." less satisfactory. The Scalar method D. should be noted, however. It takes A few deft strokes of pencil, (xiii) Running routine messages. the form of a questionaire and is My brows to emphasise; sorting and distributing papers completed by the immediate superA touch of this fine powder will and minor clerical functions. , visor. The questions included That shiny look surprise ! Group A. could be, for example: Next month, with the Editor's ,.. A. Number of lates in a given ·With care some lipstick I apply; permission, I. propose to discu53\ period. And now I must declare: with a little more detail the aspects B. Sick leave during the period. -When I'm behind all this make-up of grading which in my opinion are C. Married or single, and if marDo people know I'm there ? to, be guarded ag~inst; and I should ri~d is he living with his wife. Una Belle be glad to hear from readers who D. Extent of overtime. may perhaps have ideas of their The questionaire could contain own on the subject which could be many more questions; but for the embr;iced in this further article. two very interesting booklets have initiative or a specialised knowpurposes of illustration these four ledge and individual respon'have been taken at random. An been issued by the Office Managesibility for the work. excess of A can be accounted for ment Association of Londono They Date of publication of March ·by an excess of D, and C has vast should be the vade mecum of F. Work performed in close liaison issue: managers in questions of upgrading. with management and section possibilities. To conclude discusTHURSDAY, MARCH 16. • supervisors. sion on the Scalar method, it is For the benefit of the general reader however there are six recogThe following groupings have in Deadline for material: necessary to ensure that each em1 ployee should have knowledge of nised grades of clerical employment particular been noted from the FRIDAY, MARCH 10. publications mentioned as they have the questions which are ,being in the D.M.A. world. They are: Printed by the Marian Printing Co., Ltd., Portland Place, Dublin.