A SALUTARY EXAMPLE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20902, 18 June 1931, Page 10

A SALUTARY EXAMPLE.

A praiseworthy spirit has been shown by tho workers concerned in tho shipping dispute, and the consequent settlement is to be commended. It is tentative, for the 10 per cent, reduction in wages has been accepted by the cooks and stewards pending the Arbitration Court's decision on their application for exclusion from the general order covering agreements and awards. This is reasonable and fair. They have a right to be heard on the application they had lodged, and the merits of their case will not be prejudiced by their decision to sign new articles, embodying the reduction, pending the Court's decision. In their refusal to be dominated by a militant section, bent on implacable opposition to the reduction, they have turned what was feared might be a disastrous experience for themselves and many others into a salutary example. Their action has strengthened the hope that a reasonable spirit will prevail among all sections of the community in accepting the economic position as it exists and endeavouring to do the best in the circumstances. New Zealand as a whole is to be congratulated on the general readiness shown to meet the position in a common-sense way. Better times will come all the more speedily if this spirit be manifested and maintained everywhere in the community, without exception. They will be hindered if inequitable apportioning of tho burden be allowed to breed anywhere a sense of grievance, and to avert that there is only one way—by all pulling together in the effort to right things. This applies to more than employees ; employers may do much to minimise the present distress by doing their utmost to provide work for additional hands. At a time like this, such a suggestion may seem inopportune. /is a matter of fact, it was never more timely. Employers and employees together shouldering the burden, it will be removed quickly.