Settlement Welcomed

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32349, 15 July 1970, Page 1

Settlement Welcomed

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, July 14.

The Minister of Marine (Mr McCready) tonight expressed his pleasure at the outcome of the conciliation proceedings in the ferry dispute.

Speaking in the Budget debate in Parliament, he said he was confident that the parties involved would accept the decision. “I am pleased the case was heard without having to appoint a conciliator," he said. “It has been a worry to all to see ships lying idle, with cargo building up on both, sides of the Strait “I sincerely hope that both parties will get the ships under way as fast as is humanly possible.” Mr R. L. Bailey (Lab., Heretaunga): And what if the ships don’t go to sea? Mr McCready: If they don’t take the ships to sea the bill (Shipping and Seamen Amendment No. 2 Act) is specific.

Mr S. A. Whitehead (Lab., Nelson) welcomed the settlement of the dispute on behalf of the Parliamentary Labour Party.

“I think we (the Opposition) can claim credit for the fact that we were able to influence the Government into changing its mind and not forcing the bill through in its original form,” he said. “It is only because of the responsible attitude of the Labour Party that we are in the happy position we are in today.” Mr Whitehead said that he hoped the settlement would be accepted by both sides in the dispute, and that Mr McCready had said only that it must be accepted by the seamen.

When the Minister of Industries and Commerce (Mr Shelton) interjected to say that Mr McCready had not taken any sides in his statement to the House, Mr Whitehead said:— “The Minister is very fond of interjecting. But it is because of his weak leadership at the week-end that New Zealand was nearly in serious trouble.”