THE SUGAR STRIKE.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1186, 22 July 1911, Page 5

THE SUGAR STRIKE.

MR. HUQHES'S DUAL POSITION URGED TO RESIGN. By Telecraoh—Press Association—CoDjrlnht Melbourne, July 21. The steamship owners will consider the position which has arisen in connection with tho Queensland sugar strike neit week. It is considered unnecessary to take immediate action, as there is a large quantity of sugar lying ia Queensland ports still to bu shipped. There is much comment oa the attitude of Mr. Hughes, Acting-Federal Prime Minister, who, as president of the Watersido Workers' Federation, announced that his unions would refiiso to handle nonunion sugar. It is argued that he should resign either the Attorney-Goaeralship, or the presidency of the Waterside Workers' Federation. Mr. Hughes claims that the Federation has not contravened tho Federal Arbitration Act. It did not strike, and, anyhow tho Arbitration Court has jurisdiction only in disputes extending beyond one State. Directly anything arises involving an industrial dispute he will resign his presidency.. THE WATERSIDE WORKERS. Brisbane, July 21. No action has yet been taken by tho waterside workers; This is considered significant in connection with tho present situation. The now agreement between the steamship owners and the Waterside AVorkers' Federation has not yet been signed. MR. HUGHES EXPLAINS. (Rec. July 22, 0.30 a.m.) Melbourne, July 21. A meeting of the council of the Waterside Workers' Federation, Mr. Hughes, the Commonwealth Attorney-General presiding, has confirmed the decision of the executive not to handle nan-union sugar during the currency, of the Queensland dispute. Mr. Hughes afterwards declared that it was not a strike merely to refuse to handlo certain goods.