LAW PARAMOUNT

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 73, 19 December 1935, Page 11

LAW PARAMOUNT

Government’s First Duty STRIKING SEAMEN Federal Attorney-General’s Firm Stand By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copy rlgnt (Received December 18, 9.10 p.m.) Sydney, December 18. Replying to a deputation representing tiie seamen’s central strike committee, tlie Federal Attorney-General, the Hon, R. G. Menzies, said the Federal Government’s policy would not be altered and the licensing of seamen would not be withdrawn.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 an 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 rhe idea that resort cal) be made to the Arbitration Court for what suits you and 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 find desire to further their own non-Australian views through it.” Owing to a shortage of fresh food and other essential supplies, the situation in New Guinea and Papua due to the'strike is extremely parlous. Burns, Philp and Company have announced that the steamer Macdhui will be dispatched to-morrow for the islands with a licensed volunteer crew. A VOLUNTEER CREW (Received December 19, 1.10 a.m.) Sydney, December 18. The steamer MacDhui sailed to-day with a volunteer crew, including seven members of the Seamen’s Union, which is interpreted as the first, sign that the strikers are weakening.