["The Labour Difficulties", The South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA), Saturday 20 August 1887, page 4]
THE LABOUR DIFFICULTIES.
The old saying that 'Evil is wrought by want of thought; as well as want of heart' is well exemplified in some of the present difficulties in regard to the relations between labour and capital. The disputes at Port Adelaide in reference to the loading of several steamers culminated on Thursday in a strike which might have occasioned serious trouble, but which nevertheless might easily have been avoided had both parties reflected a little more on the actual position of affairs. The two foremen of the Stevedore Company are charged with having played the role of the severe taskmasters. A number of baskets for loading and unloading coal had been made of a sufficient size to carry nearly 3 cwt. each, and the men were asked to move these huge affairs when loaded along a plank. It can hardly be said that such a demand was reasonable. It is found at harvest-time in the country districts that many cases of serious illness are occasioned by the necessity of handling bags of a considerably smaller weight than 3 cwt. It is true that in this case the baskets have not to be carried, but the work of dragging them must be exceedingly heavy. No man, unless he be exceptionally constituted, can deal with such a load without danger to himself. The foremen, however, seem to have thought otherwise. Of course it will not do to judge of their action in the matter until the whole dispute has been fully investigated. Very likely the Maritime Labour Council will endeavour to call them to account for the offence which is now alleged against them.
But when the Chairman of the Stevedore Company, Mr. A. L. Harrold, after carefully examining into the causes of the dispute, decided that the men were quite justified in objecting to the size of the baskets and censured the foremen for acting harshly, it is only reasonable to conclude that the action which led to the strike was thoughtless and unjustifiable. Mr. Harrold on behalf of the Company disclaims any intention of asking 'men to work like horses,' and so the contention of the men in regard to the excessive size of the baskets has been vindicated. A committee of five experienced lumpers will now confer with Mr. Harrold, and there is very little doubt of a satisfactory conclusion being arrived at. In fact, the incident, as showing that the Company only require to have the men's side of a dispute placed fully and fairly before them, may probably lead to the establishment of more friendly and cordial relations than have ever existed before...
