SHIPPING HOLD-UP

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 118, 12 February 1920, Page 5

SHIPPING HOLD-UP

ENGINEERS' STRIKE OUTSIDE SUPPORT FORBIDDEN (By Telegraph-Press Association-Copyright Melbourne, February 11. A proclamation has been issued prohibiting all strike contributions and loans of money or goods lo the marine engineers.. The tanks are also instructed to refuse a jieunit lo Iho Institute of Engineers to withdraw funds. It is provided that any bank official who honours ■ a cheque presented by an sgent or member of the institute will be guilty of r.n offence. The proclamation concludes as follows:—"No person, organisation, or asBociat'on shall by word or'deeiMnstigata or aid the continuance of lite strike." The penalty for infringement is a line of .£IOO, or imprisonment for i;ix months,' or both; and if anyone is prosccuted on indictment the fine may be of any amount or imprisonment for any term, or both. The prochniation is :ssued under the War Precautions Act—Press Assn. A FAMINE IN QUEENSLAND. Brisbane, February 11. As the result of the shipping strike, a famine in foodstuffs is being exjierienced in the far northern towns. The police ■have been empowered to commandeer all flour at Cairns.—Press Assn. 'EXCITEMENT IN UNION CIRCLES. (l!ec: February 11, 9.45 p.m.) . Sydney, February 11. _ The Federal Cabinet's action in locking up tile funds of the marine engin.-ers has caused considerable excitement in union circles. Although the Institute of Marine Engineers views the move with equanimity, it regards the proclamation as a means to 'prevent the institute purchasing the Burns, Philp Island feet. Otherwise, beyond seeking legal advice,. the officials refuse lo discuss the position owing to the fact that action was taken under the War Precautions Act. Under the terms of the proclamation, a bank has refused an engineer permission to withdraw a portion of his private account.—Press Assn.