SEAMEN’S STRIKE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 78, 14 January 1936, Page 5

SEAMEN’S STRIKE

COASTAL MEN REMAIN OUT. MINERS PROMISE MORE AID. LEVY, AND “BLACK” COAL. United Press Association—Copyright) SYDNEY, January 13. At a mass meeting of striking seamen to-day, delegates from the interstate ships asked to be allowed to go back to work, claiming that if they remained in employment they could do more, by a levy, to assist the strike than by remaining idle. However, with only one dissentient the meeting reaffirmed the general strike decision of December 6. Representatives of the Miners’ Central Council reported that the miners had decided to collect a levy of 2£ per cent, on the next two pay-days to assist the seamen and the miners who are now on strike. The miners’ delegates also assured the meeting that their members would not hew coal lor ships manned by licensed seamen. The crews of six inter-State vessels, including one passenger ship, gave notice upon their arrival in Bydnew at the week-end. No attempt was made to dispatch the ships to-day with volunteer labour, as the owners anticipated that a move would be made at the meeting to lift trio ban on coastal vessels. In Melbourne a conference of Federal Unions affected by the strike, and the emergency committee of the Australian Council of Trade Unions discussed a suggestion that the headquarters of the latter body should bo transferred to Sydney for the dni.ition of the strike. While it is possible that the conference may decide to hold a meeting in Sydney, it is not considered likely that' there will be any change in the policy of the unions, which is against extending the disP It is felt at the Trades Hall that if a conference is held in Sydney it will he to discuss terms for the resumption of work. The system of receiving postal applications for seamen’s licenses, nbich was introduced in Sydney last week, is now being applied in Melbourne. OPPOSED TO STRIKE. SECRET BALLOT OF SEAMEN. SYDNEY, January 13. The Minister of Labour (the Hon. J. Dunningham) announced the result of the secret ballot among the seamen employed on coastal vessels as to whether the men are in favour of the strike or not. Of the 232 entitled to vote, 179 did so. The result was: For the strike 13 Against the strike 156 Informal