The Dockers' Strike still continues in London and Hull, but
as we go to press on Thursday the prospects of a settlement seem to be slightly improved. In these circum- stances we shall refrain. from any discussion, either of details or of the merits of the ease, except in two par- ticulars. The employers have been right in supporting the Union leaders in their difficult task, and in refraining as long as possible, though it involves very serious pecuniary loss to them and to the public, from adding to the complications by resorting to non-union labour. At the same time, it is clear that it is the old curse of casual labour that is disturbing trade at the docks and demoraliz- ing the workers. No settlement will suffice which does not make its first aim to get rid of casual labour, or at any rate to use it only as a last and exceptional resort at times 'of unlooked-for pressure.
