THE SHIPPING DISPUTE

New Zealand Tablet, Volume LII, Issue 35, 16 September 1925, Page 33

THE SHIPPING DISPUTE

The shipping industry is of such vital and universal importance that it is high time steps were taken to prevent the periodic dislocations which have been a marked feature of the industry during the past few years. The present hold-up differs little in character or degree from those which have preceded it. Its immediate cause is that of all former troublesnamely, a difference between masters and men over wages and conditions. It would be almost impossible to form an impartial opinion of this particular case by reading the reports in the newspapers, for the latter invariably support the wealthier side. We are not concerned here with the pros and cons of the present dispute, which after all is merely the effect of a universal malady. But we are concerned about the fact that a vital industry is carried on under conditions that amount to open warfare. It is indeed deplorable that entire communities should be placed at the mercy of contending groups who hold up an essential industry while they fight a battle of endurance for private ends. The States appear to be either helpless or unwilling to do anything of importance to bring about a permanent settlement. They wait until trouble breaks out and then they confine their efforts to preventing or. punishing violence on the part of the men. Hence, the Stale comes to be regarded as the servant of the combines and financial federations. During the armistice- it fixes the wages of the workers to the last farthing, but according to the special report of Mr. I I rank Anstey, M.H.R., a member of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Navigation Act, it- has no means of checking the profits of the owners. The report says “the Australian shipping business is one vast noncompetitive combine. It may be an instrument for the public good, but the question remains whether or not the Australian shipping combine is using its power to the detriment of Australian industry, or whether it is rendering essential services at reasonable rates. It is hopeless to try to trace the source of tho combine’s profits. An investigator finds himself chasing a mirage.” .The shipowners are consistent and logical up to a point. They accept the recognised principles of the business world, that to make money is the end of business and that troublesome ethics must be kicked into the corner. The workers’ associations in the opposite camp can claim no higher ideal. In the last analysis force is the only recognised means of settling disputes. Those who consistently repudiate God, whether masters or men, cannot- appeal to justice, for God is the Author of justice; those wdu> consistently repudiate moral principles have lost the right to appeal to them. Unless steps be taken to establish industry upon the strict moral code the peopie always will be squeezed between the opposing forces in the struggle for mastery. It is the duty of the States to protect their peoples from the effects of the private quarrels of warring associations. !