THE UNION COMPANY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18170, 16 August 1922, Page 10

THE UNION COMPANY.

PROFITS AND • SALARIES.

CRITICISM IN COURT.

APPEAL FOR SHIPS' OFFICERS [BX TXLSGBAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON. Tuesday, Tho war profits of tho Union Steam Ship Company were made tho basis of argument in favour of increased pay for ships' masters and officers in the Arbitration Court yesterday.

Captain W 4 Mclndoc, who appeared for the Merchant Service Guild, said that.in reviewing the question of wages of ships' officers the Court would have to take into consideration the enormous amount the company had made in profits daring the war years.

Mr. W. G. Smith, who represented the Union Company, objected to such matters being brought up. He also protested against reference to the P. and O. combine. The dispute was between,tho guild and the Union Company, and 'ho submitted it was irrelevant to drag in a lot of matter concerning the P. and 0. Company. Mr. Justice Frazer: The guild is raising the quostion of tho ability of the company to pay higher rates. The company's present earnings, you say, are not sufficient to enable it to meet present expenditure. Mr. Smith: That is obvious, from the last balance-sheet, which shows we paid out more than we- earned. I have already expainod the position of the industry. In one sense wo do not plead poverty. His Honor: You are resting your case entirely upon the present earnings of the company. Mr. Smith: Wo do not say the company is unable: to pay. • His Honor: Tho guild maintains that while the profits of the company were satisfactory, tho rates paid were not very high, and they now ask for something higher. Somehow or other, Mr. Smith, you have given tho impression that the combine is something to be ashamed of. Mr. Smith: Oh, no, Your Honor. The object of my remarks was to 'protest against this allegation, which is absolutely untrue. ~ .. „ His Honor: I think the combine of the P. and O. Company can be kept out of the case. There is no question of the ability of the company to pay. They are not pleading bankruptcy. The question of past profits is not a fair matter to be referred to. Mr. M. J. Reardon said that years ago the people had learned to be proud of the Union Company, but he did not think anyone could havo felt proud of it during the last few years. Mr. Smith: I don't know on what ground vou base your statement, or why you make it. What has it to do v.ith the case ? Mr. Eeardon did not reply. Captain Mclndoe stated that the Union Company, owinp; to its advantageous position, had already alleviated its condition? to a great extent by increasing freight* and passenger fares, and had recently lauj up a number of its ships and dispensed with mastors and officers. A strong argument of the company for keeping salaries low had been an absolute guarantee of permanent employment. This f.ould not be maintained in tho present dispute, and was a solid reason why the Court should not decrease salaries at the present stage The comnanv having to some extent pro tected itself against the exiVtmjr depres sion. was now appealing to the, Court for further assistance. The guild was confident the Court would protect the status and maintain the standard of. living of th» profession, which had plaved such a noWo part during the war without receiving anv adeanate remuneration as made by the comoany.