APPEAL FOR MEDIATION

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14834, 27 November 1913, Page 8

APPEAL FOR MEDIATION

PROPOSAL BY SIR JOSEPH WARD.

SIR JOSHUA WILLIAMS AS 'ARBITER.

"A DAY BEHIND THE FAIR."

SUGGESTION ALREADY MADE,

(SPECIAL TO "TIEK rnKSS.") •"**' WELLINGTON, November 26. • The question of making an endeavour to end the strike was again raised in tho Houso of Representatives this afternoon by Sir Joseph Ward, in tho form of a question without notice. Hβ said that ho was not attempting in any way to make party capital out of the present trouble, and that ho was bringing the matter up without having consulted anybody. Hβ estimated that tho loss resulting from the strike was about a quarter of a million a week. The loss was being shared by the whole community, and that portion which was now being borne by tho shipping companies and merchants would no doubt be 4 in tho main, passed on to tho public later on. Hβ appealed to tho Prime Minister to ask both parties to refer the matter unconditionally to the sole and final arbitrament of Sir Joshua Williams —a just, far-seeing, and fearless judge, who possessed the confidence of the public in tho highest degree. Each side should agree to be bound by tlxe decision of such a judge. If either or both parties, declined to agree to this, it could oniy be inferred that more than justice was desired. Ho had no doubt that Sir Joshua Williams :vould be willing to act as suggested. If this course wero agreed to, the whole i of the unions should go back to work at I once pending the judge's decision. In reply, Mr Massey" expressed his pleasure at Sir Joseph Ward's assurance that his request was not actuated by party. Hβ accepted that, and could assure- the hon. gentleman that tho Government was fully seized of tho gravo responsibility that rested upon its shouldors in connexion with the industrial difficulty from which tho country was suffering. Ministers wero also fully awaro of the very serious loss being occasioned, but he would ask members to remember the difference between conditions to-day and three weeks ago, or even a fortnight ago. Three weeks ago tho ports were dosed, no business was being done, and the people in many centres were in a panic. To-day our ports wero open* and inward and outward cargo was being dealt with, and business was rapidly resuming its normal condition. He had been assured by a telegram from Auckland that the strike there was practically at an end. In regard to Sir Joseph Ward's suggestion that a special tribunal should be set up and that matters should be left to Sir Joshua Williams, it was rather a remarkable coincidence that at a conference a month ago he himself had made this very suggestion to the two principal parties. > Sir Josenh Ward: It ought to have been accepted. Mr Massey: It wns not- accepted. . I offered Sir Joshua Williams or two judces. but-the suggestion was not acreptaWn to either of the principal.parties. Since then a good many conferences have been held, with very'little result except that I believe arrangements will be roside—l may so the loneth of saying tin*—to prevent a Teenrrenoo of this difficulty so far as waterside work is •concerned.THE GOVERNMENT'S VIEW. He would refer members, continued Mr Massoy. to the following reply on "the Order Paper to a question by Mr Veitch as to whether the Government would set up an independent tribunal to settle the strike: The Government will ask Parliament to agree to legis.lA'tion" which, it is hoped will prevent or discourage strikes or lock-outs in future, but so far as the present strike is concerned moderate counsels and wiser methods are now prevailing, and there are strong indications that industrial peace will Boon be "restored. With an intimate knowledge of the'difficulty, the Government do not consider that at this stage the setting up of a tribunal as suggested would expedite a* settlement, but that it would possibly have the opposite effect. Nearly - a month ago the Government offered the principal parties to the dispute to appoint one or two Supreme Court judges as arbitrators, but the offer was not accepted . The lesson of the.. strike" is that while sane unionism is decidedly useful and worthy of encouragement, syndicalism and the doctrines _ of the I.W.W. aro detrimental to the interests of all parties'and all.sections of the community." ' - ■'•.-■ Mr Webb: What is the doctrine of the 1.W.W.? - ■■•■.- Mr Massey- (laughingly): The hon. member had better put the question on the Order Paper, and I will supply him with tho information by means of documents. , Mr Webb: I don't think you could. -THREE PARTIES CONCERNED': "The dispute," said Mr Massey, "is ■now beyond the two principal parties. It now concerns the wnole people, particularly tho producers, and no settlement or the dispute will be satisfactory or successful which does not prevent, so far as it is oossible,- any recurrence of this industrial trouble. Another important point.is ithat no settlement will be satisfactory which does not safeguard the interests of tho many hundreds of men'who have, since the commencement of the strike, joined tho Arbitration unions. These are two difficulties that stand in the way. I hope, however, that wiser counsels will prevail presently. There are strong indications in that direction at present, and I hope and believe that before Christmas the industrial will be passed, so far as the chiet centres are concerned. Mr Webb asked if he 'might bo permitted to speak. On the Speaker asking if the House would accord Mr Webb this indulgence, several Government members called out "No." "You will have to put the question on the Order Paper," said Mr Speaker; "I cannot allow you to speak." : "Thank you," replied Mr Webb. "I will remember the political cowardice !on the other side or the House." i On Mr Nosworthy drawing attention Ito this, Mr Webb withdrew the words, at $io same time, however, directing a very angry glance at tho Government benches.