Cargo Handling Costs

Press, Issue 22599, 3 January 1939, Page 8

Cargo Handling Costs

The announcement by the Minister for Labour of an early investigation, national in scope, into the costs of handling cargo in New Zealand ports is fully justified and commended by the facts set out in his statement. Mr Webb declares that it is his business To find out “ why “ the cost of loading and unloading ships trading with this country is so high compared “ with Australia and other comparable coun- “ tries.” Rightly, when he is about to inquire, Mr Webb does not himself prejudge the matter or offer opinions. It is sufficient to say, as he says, that the tactics of the waterside workers have been blamed, and that, on the other hand, the fault has been attributed to the system of organisation under which the work is done. But it will be generally agreed that, whatever may be the reasons why ships are worked slowly and at excessive cost, increased by disputes and stoppages, “ some change is overdue.” Handling costs in New Zealand ports weigh very heavily upon New Zealand’s trade and industry; they cannot afford, and should not be obliged to pay, any more than what may be, in Mr Webb’s words, “ consistent with reason- “ able pay and reasonable working conditions.” The Minister’s present intention appears to be to hold a conference with “all interested “ parties ” in order to “ evolve a practical sys- “ tern,” efficient, economical, and fair. He may find that such a conference will be an unwieldy instrument of inquiry. The “ interested parties ” are numerous. Their interests are complex. If the conference serves to give him a near view of the problems involved rather than to bring forward a comprehensive solution, he should not hesitate to proceed further by other methods of investigation. He will not weaken but strengthen his hand by calling for all the evidence he can get and by using expert help to interpret it.