WATERSIDE TROUBLES.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 12 February 1917, Page 4

WATERSIDE TROUBLES.

GOVERNMENT’S NEW MOVE. ?

WELLINGTON, Fob. 10,

The special Government regulations empowering the authorities to declare certain wharves to he under State control is regarded here as a hopeful sign, connected with the waterside trouble. This move is welcomed by the men’s representatives, who state that the Government has their verbal assurance that all Imperial cargo will be handled without question. This is the case, to-day, all Imperial ships being at work, though two Wanganui cargoes loaded by substitute labour are held up.

The Waterside Workers ’ Union meets on Monday to decide on its policy in relation to the forthcoming noting of the Conciliation Council, which is charged with the duty of considering the whole dispute. The men’s representative is meeting the today with regard to the working of The Imperial ships, which so far has proceeded without friction. It is anticipated that the wharves where they load will be declared to bo Government wharves. The union meeting will a,lso decide on the attitude towards the. Wanganui coastal ships. The active intervention of the Government has lessened the feeling of mutual hostility,, which made every move pregnant with the possibilities of strife during the last fortnight.

Interviewed regarding the regulations giving power to the Government to take over the control of the Avharves in the event of industrial disturbances, the Hon. A. L. Hcrdman said that if Britain and her Allies were to be victorious, troops must be sent to the front as regularly and expeditiously as possible, and England must be provided with food.

When the mercantile marine- were being ruthlessly wrecked by the enemy, ships cannot be allowed to remain idle at our wharves. Such a state of affairs would be intolerable. The position Avas much too serious to allow any troublesome section of the community to dominate the situation and decide for Hew Zealand whether it shall or shall not bo allowed to do its share of the war work. “The responsibility for the present discreditable position should be placed on the shoulders of a few mistaken leaders. He exonerated the great bulk of the men from blame. He also pointed out the heavy penalty iniposable on! any person who conspires to prevent, delay, or otherwise interfere Avitlx the loading, unloading or despatch of any vessel viz.. £SOO or twelve months’ imurisoumoai.