THE WATERFRONT TROUBLE

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3001, 12 February 1917, Page 4

THE WATERFRONT TROUBLE

The Government lias not stopped in any too soon in connection with tho troublo on the waterfront. It would bo sheer madness to permit the delay and stoppage of shipping to eontinuo on such absurdly unreasonable grounds as havo up to the present interfered with tho handling of cargo. The statement vl the position as outlined by tho Attornby-Generai, in our issue today loaves no room for any diversity of opinion as to tho necessity for ensuring that the dispatch of veasala obaU proceed with all poa-

siblc speefl, and the stops proposed to be taken to secure this end will he generally approved. In effect it is proposed that if the men employed on fcho waterfront do not resume work in tho ordinary way the Government will take over tho control of the wharves, and take such stops as may be found necessary to see that tho work of loading and unloading is carried out with tho greatest possiblo expedition. It will probably be found that the waterside workers will not be averse to this arrangement. The majority of the men realise well enough that it is vitally necessary that every vessel in tho overseas trade shall be utilised to the utmost advantage in the transport of food supplies to Britain and her Allies. They know that the quick dispatch of these vessels has become- an allimportant factor in the war—one of tho factors in counteracting Germany's submarino campaign. The men had become embroiled in this waterfront trouble- largely against tho wish of the majority, and will be glad to see it ended. Tho action of tho Government they know well enough will have behind it the hearty approval of practically the entire community. Mr; Herdjian's statement of the position is but a. reflex of public opinion. It is intolerable that the nation should be hampered in so serious a manner, in the face of such a crisis, by an industrial dispute of such a nature as that which has been proceeding on the waterfront. Everyone recognises this. That it should have been permitted to continue as long as it has done is a reflection on our common sense as well as on our patriotism.