28 APRIL 1923, Page 2

The Labour situation continues to be uneasy. 'Since we last

wrote a menacing situation has arisen in the shipyards, where a lock-out will take place on Monday week unless a compromise-is reached. On the other hand, Mr. MacDonald was able to -effect a settlement in the Norfolk farm strike, thus adding to his reputation as -a peacemaker. The "Craft " Unions concerned in the railway dispute over " shopmen " have refused the companies' offer. Hence it looks as though they will come into line with the National Union of Railwaymen, and an unpleasant situation has undoubtedly arisen. Still, the effect of the settlements in the building -and farm disputes cannot but have a moderating effect on the parties in the other industries. Let us hope that the arbitration habit is catching.