BRITISH SEAMEN AND THE PIRATES

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3168, 20 August 1917, Page 5

BRITISH SEAMEN AND THE PIRATES

CONFERENCE ON AFTER-WAR 'ACTION NO DEALINGS WITH NATION OP ASSASSINS (Rec. August 19, 5.5 p.m.) London, August 17. A Seamen's Conference, representing the Allies and most of the neutral countries, has opened in London. Jlr. Havelock Wilson (secretary of the Seamen's and Firemen's Union), who is presiding, announced that the delegates represented all sections of tho maritime world in, Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the West Indies, France, Italy, Russia, Belgium, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. Uβ said that the conference proposed to consider the attitude to be adopted towards Germany after the war,'in view of the Mtor's submarine atrocities. He explained that it was not intended to discuss the origins of the war, but neutrals were entitled to express an opinion on German methods of war. 'Neutrals, equally with the Allies, had suffered by the enemy's barbarities. "Wβ aro not calling on the Governments to take action." he said. "Tho seamen are better able to look > after themselves." He added e<l that the seamen were still undaunted. German barbarism had not yot delayed a. single ship's sailing by five minutes. " He also believed that the seamen would induce tho wharf labourers and transport workers to assist in a German boycott after the war. He suggested that if other seafarers refused to work with Ger. mans they would be materially punish' ing tho German shipowners. An international commission ehould inquire into the submarine murders, and punish the commanders, crews, and authorities, accorffing to their guilt.—Atis.-N.Z. Cablo Assn. VESSELS ATTACKED IN THE NORTH SEA FOUR SAILING- SHIPS TORPEDOED, (Rec. August 19, 5.5 p.m.) Christiania, August 17. The Norwegian sailing vessels, Soleldmt, Majorka, Uisua Minor, and Solveig have been torpedoed in the North Sea; Eight of the Jlajorka'e crow .were killed. A submarine burnt the steamer Lurla. A stewardess was killed.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. OCEAN BOMB ASSASSINS . " FIVE VESSELS MYSTERIOUSLY DISAPPEAR. (Rec Angnst 19, 5.5 p.m.) Vancouver, August 17. , Three American vessels, one British, and one Japanese, are overdue, and have been given up by their owners, who beiieve that their loss was due to timebombs.—Reuter. BIG RAILWAY STRIKE THREATENED LOCOMOTIVE MEN AND THE EIGHT. HOURS' DAY. (Rec. Augnst 19, 5.5 p.m.) London, August 1". _ The .''"Daily Express" states that there is a grave probability of forty thousand locomotive drivers and firemen strikinir within three days unless the principle oi the eight-hours' day is immediately con- ;, ceded. > Tho men explain that they do not ask that ,the eight-hour day be carried out fully forthwith, but they insist on the recognition of the principle, with, a view to conferring on the extent to which {lie principle shall be applied ia war tim'e.—Aus.->I.Z. Cable Assn. (Rec. August 20, 0.35 a.m.) London, August 19,The engine-drivers and firemen are going on strike. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.Reuter.

BRITISH BOILERMAKERS ON STRIKE UEGENT WORK TIED , UP. London, August 17. The boilermakers on the Mersey are striking to-night until they are granted a rehearing of their award. A later message states that nine thousand boilermakers have struck. The etrike creates uneasiness owing to the urgency of the work on which the men are engaged—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. DISTINCTIVE MARKS FOR WAR SERVICE (Eec. August 19, 5.5 pan.) London, August 17. In the House of Commons Mr. J. I, Slacpherson announced that it was proposed to award a distinctive mark to the troops for every half-year of war eervice. This would- possibly consist of . chevrons on (he sleeve.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. SIR ERIC GEDDES WAR SERVICES REWARDED. • (Eec. August 20, 0.35 a.m.) London, August 18Tho Press Bureau states: Sir EriC| Geddes (First Lord of the Admiralty) lias been made a Knight Commander of the Bath in recognition- of his war services at the Admiralty—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Aesn.Reuter. ■ . -