By NAUTILUS.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 2, Issue 31, 6 October 1911, Page 15

By NAUTILUS.

Preparation for future industrial war ia the dominant note struck in the annual rteport of Furness and Wiithy Co., England—£so,ooo as a contingency fund in case of strikes and other troubles, has been set aside out of the year's profits. This is a case of the Avorkers' surplus value being Used to beat them in the time of industrial stress.

Every page of the daily press breatheis Avar or rumours thereof. Industrial unrest world-Avide, employers' federations preaching solidarity to their flocks, reserA r e funds being built up, scab stations being organised in various centres of Europe and America and Australia. Ncav Zealand is no exception to the rule. A rumble of discontent can be heard along our local waterfront, and January may see the Avatersiders of N.Z. engaged in- a struggle for better, conditions. A strike on the waterfront is almost necessary for the purpose of organising the men, and no doubt the first tussle will be a short and sharp one.

Dust-proof bags for cement, the fumigation of some of the stinking holds, the overcroAvding of coal gangs, the regulation of hours of engagement, are burning questions Avhich no Arbitration Court will settle satisfactorily. A living Avage for Avharf Avorkers and democratic representation on Harbour Boards, also are questions of moment AA'hich Avill also have to be considered by the poAvers that be.

' The result of a waterside struggle would surely involve a general strike, as discontent Avould become Avidespread. Strange though it may be the majority of general strikes ,within the last decade haA r e originated amongst the maritime population, and it behaA r es the various unions controlling maritime interests to put their houses in order. A joint conference of these unions could Avell be held with the Ncav Zealand Federation of Labor before any risks are taken. To engage our unorganised army Avith a solid shipping combination Avould surely mean a slaughter of the arbitration innocents.

The seamen and drivers have questions of importance.also., to. decide with the master class- Within a feAV months joint demands should, be made by the combined transporters and an injury to one made the concern of all. The next three years must be made industrially lively, prior to a vigorous 'political campaign in 1914. -**■ ■ » ■ The Seamen's Union is contemplating a referendum on the question of cancelling registration under the C. and A. Act. »* * - That "cullad" gentleman, Mr. Jas. FloAA'-ers, of £90 fame, has again visited his attentions oil his late victim, the Wellington Wharf Laborers' Union. In a screed te the secretary, he asks for a special meeting of the union to show cause Avhy its registration should not be cancelled "for giving the fund for political purpose, and damaging the rights of the laboring man." His letter caused seme amusement Avhen read at a recent meeting. Rosebud has communicated with the Labor Department, but from all accounts he did not receive much satisfaction. It is understood also that lie lias addressed ultimatums to various, judiciary personages. Of all maladies of Avhich flesh is heir to. legal obcessionitis is easily the worst.

Flowers' legal knowledge—-Aye should have thought —Avould have prevented him from mentioning .such an odious proposal as the cancellation of a registered union at such an unsuitable place. The Labor Department's very existence being bound up in the G\ and A. Act. Although the Wellington Waterside Workers Union was compelled to admit Flowers as a member, he has not made any attempt to resume the hook or the shovel. ~.*■

Types of Avharf laborers on the Ncav Zealand coast do not vary much, with the exception of Dunedin and Auckland. At the 'southern port one notices a preponderance of short, squat men, Avhilst at Auckland the type; runs to length and wiryness; '- : Wellington Avatersiders may be noticed by their dried lcan.nc.ssj due, one suspects, to the prevailing winds. The ancient mariner—the old Avarrior >oi > sailing ship days—or Avhat is left of him, may be seen at all ports cvi the coast. When the old sailers were superseded by steam craft he transferrel himself loyally and the hcav vessels and altered conditions, but he still hept his right to growl. He contrasts, strangely Avith the youthful men Avho hoav do duty at the Avinch and track, for in his day- —as he is never tired of telling—a Avharfman was of necessity a seaman. Times have changed some, and Avith them the majority of the old stevedores are fast dwindling away. The blue jersey and Avhite moleskin is being replaced by the waistcoat and dungarees.

A particularly troublesome watersider Avaited on a certain insurance manager for the 199 th time.. He had received a crack on the foot, has time was up, and legally he could claim no more compensation. As it dreAV near the fourth hour of argument, the manager called a clerk and ordered him to make out an order for £1, and as ho delivered it over to our waterside sea lawyer, the folloAving Avords fell feelingly from' his lips :* "Smithkins," he said, catching him by the;hand, "let

mc wish you tho. best of good luck. Let us sincerely hope that you will never have the misfortune to meet with another o-cident or becomo injured in any Avr.y. You have my best wishes for your future good health." * ■ * * Mr. Robert FlKcher, Chairman of the Wellington I/vrbour Board, is a candidate ia the Liberal interest for

Wellington Central. Watersiders will also remember that he is a member of the Employers' Federation. His class ivill support him. As a AVorker, you should vote for your class and your candidate, Frank Freeman. You have Avorked for a boss long enough; Avhy i need you vote for one? If is by your i votes such men as Herdman and.Fleti cher Avin poAvex oA*ei^yo>" ;