SINGAPORE STRIKES

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28321, 5 July 1957, Page 11

SINGAPORE STRIKES

Big Wave Of Unrest

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 10 p.m.) SINGAPORE, July 3.

More ships clogged Singapore’s harbour today, because of a “goslow” strike. Workers refused to handle at normal speed several million dollars worth of export and import cargoes.

So many ships are jammed into the harbour that three vessels which arrived today had to use an anchorage reserved for warships.

Singapore’s rich export trade—source of the island’s wealth—is suffering while the go-slow continues. Cargoes are piling up in warehouses, and holds since the turnround of ships dropped to the lowest level in 10 years. Since the go-slow began last Wednesday, many ships have worked cargoes in midstream by means of lighters.

The go-slow was begun by a group of dockers claiming 7000 members, when harbour police seized a pass held by the union leader, Mr Jamit Singh. Threat by Teachers

The Government announced tonight that police would protect children and teachers from intimidation if the 2500-strong Teachers’ Union carried out its strike threat.

The opening of a new telephone exchange today was postponed because of a strike by 1000 Singapore telephone board workers. Mr Lim Yew Hock, Singapore’s Chief'Minister, arranged talks today between 350 striking busmen and the managements of two Chinese t ensport firms. On strike also are 400 customs officers, two groups of shoe salesmen, and sago workers.

The Singapore Government Workers’ Union has threatened strikes by hundreds of civil servants in difierent departments.