SEAMEN’S THREAT.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 48, Issue 156, 13 April 1928, Page 5

SEAMEN’S THREAT.

BOYCOTT OF SHIPPING. THE COMMONWEALTH LINE.* (United Press Association—Copyright). MELBOURNE, April 12. It is reported that officials of Austra- \ lian maritime unions are planning to boycott file new owners if the Commonwealth line of ships is reduced. The vessels will be immediately declared "black” and no cargo handled nor any lilies handled when they are berthing. —Australian Press Association. VIEWPOINT OF THE UNION.

(Received This Day, 9.30 ami.) MELBOURNE, This Day. Referring to the proposed boycott of Commonwealth ships, Mr O’Neill (secretary of the Victorian branch of the Seamen’s Union) said that from the moment ships were* taken over and crews signed on at English rates they would be declared “black.” Union officials estimate that by placing the ships on English articles the new owners will save more than £200,000 annually and that nearly 3000 Australian seamen will be rendered idle. Inter-State trade may also be affected by the change as the Navigation Act stipulates that overseas vessels must pay Australian rates while engaged in inter-State service. The Prime Minister (Mr S. M. Bruce) announced that the new owners were not obliged to carry on interstate trade. It was only stipulated that the service between Australia and England be maintained for a period of 10 years.—Australian Press Association.