STRIKE WEAKENING?

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 3000, 19 December 1935, Page 7

STRIKE WEAKENING?

Attorney-General's Straight Talk to Seamen. "LONG PERIOD OF IDLENESS." (Received 9.30. a.m.) SYDNEY, this day. The Island steamer Maedhui sailed to-day with a volunteer crew, including seven members of the Seamen's Union. This is interpreted as the first sign that the strikers are weakening. Replying to a deputation representing the seamen's central strike committee, the Federal Attorney-General, Mr. E. (3. Menzies, said the Federal Government's policy would not be altered, and the licensing of seamen would not be withdrawn. The Government would continue to use this lawful weapon to deal with a thoroughly unlawful position. If the seamen persisted in their present unwise course they would have to thank their leaders for what would be a long period of unemployment. "We have set up the Arbitration Court to deal with the merits of the dispute, and the Government's 'first duty is to uphold the law," said Mr. Menzies. "The Government will not tolerate the idea that resort can be made to the Arbitration Court for what suits you, ancF - that the industry of the Commonwealth can be thrown into chaos if an award does not suit you. "This strike can be profitable only to those who seek notoriety and desire to further their own non-Australian views through it."