For Cargo Pillage

Australian Ship Board May be Liable For Cargo Pillage

ONE good example of the way in which New Guinea planters and traders are suffering under the Australian Socialist Government is supplied by the Australian Shipping Board’s repudiation of claims for pillage.

In the bad, old days of private enter prise, the shipping companies did all in their power to prevent theft. When cargo in their care was pillaged, however, they never repudiated proven claims —they paid up. They recognised that they were re sponsible for the safety of cargo from the time they accepted delivery of it for transport until it was signed for by the consignees. That is common law.

In these days, the shipping companies are merely agents for their own ships.

Their ships are directed and controlled by the Shipping Board. The companies operate for the Board, and receive com mission, on freights and fares.

Pillage of cargo is now very common on the wharves and on the ships. The wharf-labourers and the seamen are the particular pets of the Australian Govern ment. (The wharf-labourers, in fact, direct and operate Australia’s foreign policy. They are at present engaged in a bitter war against Dutch shipping, on behalf of the Indonesian “Republicans.”) Both Unions shelter cargo-pillagers.

New Guinea consignees have had heavy losses. They have complained, and they have made claims, but they have got nowhere. The Shipping Board has flatly refused to accept any responsibility.

The anger and indignation of the Ter ritorians, however, have now given place to something concrete. A group of them have taken legal advice; they have been assured that the Shipping Board, as a common carrier, is legally responsible for pillage; and action is to be taken accord ingly.