THE FEARS OF SHIPS’ COOKS.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 November 1922, Page 4

THE FEARS OF SHIPS’ COOKS.

There is quite a Gilbertian touch about the telegram which the Federated Cooks and 'Stewards sent to Mr. Massey on Tuesday in connection with the men’s strike. In giving expression to their fears that they may be drawn into the dispute—against their will—because of the suspension of certain regulations under the Shipping and Seamen’s Act, as well as by reason of the shipping companies’ demand for guarantees being considered illegal, they have set themselves up as being wiser than the Government and as expert judges of the law. There as, of course, the implication that the Government, in suspending the regulations, did not sufficiently realise that the employment of inexperienced men on ships was endangering the lives of all the crew, presumably referring mainly to the cooks and stewards. There may be much fear on their part, but the element of danger is negligible. The Government knew perfectly well what they were doing in suspending the regulations, and it is quite certain*.they were well advised as to the action taken, which has proved thoroughly successful in every way, and solved the problem which the seamen doubtless hoped would be unsolvable except by themselves and on their own terms. The officers are responsible for the proper working of the ships and for the safety of the crews, and they have evidently not been scared by having inexperienced seamen aboard. While recognising the importance of the services performed, by the cooks and stewards (especially the former) it scarcely seems probable that Mr. Massey is likely to be coerced into removing the suspension of the regulations because the cooks and stewards fear that otherwise they will be drawn into the dispute. If they desire to “cut off their nose to spite their face,” that is their affair, and with all due respect for their fears, the Premier will no doubt consider that the general public and the trade and commerce of the country constitute far graver matters for attention than the veiled threats of the Federation. The day for coercion of this kind is over, and we hope Mr. Massey will continue to do what is for the general good, even at the risk of instituting the simple, life aboard ships.