THE MOUNTPARK DISPUTE

Wanganui Chronicle, 29 June 1948, Page 4

THE MOUNTPARK DISPUTE

IT is difficult to accept the view that the Mountpark shipping dispute arises out of the desirability of having the hatches removed by winches or by hand. The work having been done elsewhere by hand and in a satisfactory manner to all concerned why does it become a subject for disputatioij in the port of Auckland? The Auckland Waterside Workers’ Union, by taking n.p this issue and causing the whole work of the port to be dislocated, has placed upon its members a task of some magnitude. The me’ are required to take up a cause on which an adjudication has been made. The men have now placed in jeopardy tne minimum-wage that they have hitherto enjoyed. That minimum wage was only justificable on the ground that, it took the casualness out of waterfront employment and also that, it, ensured a regularity ot service on the same waterfront. The. men cannot hamper shipping and have continuity of income because it is shipping that provides the income. The situation is very difficult, but according to Mr K. G. Buckleton, chairman of the Federated Farmers’ Action Committee, the farmers are prepared to go on to the wharves and put, the produce aboard and also to unload the ships. There are many men who, if guaranteed a minimum of £5" a week employed or unemployed, would also be willing to operate the waterfronts as a calling. These men should be given an opportunity to qualify for the work that others refuse to accept. The Government is now placed in a position of advantage It can secure a clean cut issue on a dispute in which it has 'lone everything to nrfet the men concerned. If the Government wants to fight Communism it can do so, but that would, insofar as New Zealand is concerned, mean no more than shadow-sparring at. the moment The real issue is hew to prevent the economy of New Zealand being hamstrung on the Auckland waterfront? Will the Government fight that —or will it. prefer to oppose shadows?