SHIPPING STRIKE

Evening Star, Issue 22204, 5 December 1935, Page 11

SHIPPING STRIKE

ACTION BY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT DETERMINED TO END DISPUTE Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright SYDNEY, December 4. As the result of representations by the Federal Labour Leader (Mr Curtin) and the New South Wales Labour Leader (Mr Beasley) the Prime Minister to-day agreed to postpone until after to-morrow’s meetings of seamen the threatened action to apply the Transport Workers’ Act to the strikers. Mr Lyons emphasised that tho Government was anxious to secure an early settlement of the strike, and was reluctant to prejudice any attempts now in progress to end the dispute. However, the Government was determined that the strike should not be allowed to continue beyond the present week. Marine cooks, bakers, and butchers decided to-day to stand by the seamen. The shipowners generally welcome the prompt action of the Federal Government and express the opinion that the introduction of the licensing system will make for the smooth working of the industry. If the seamen become licensed they can be properly controlled and strikes and threats of violence and intimidation reduced to a minimum.

The Niagara’s departure has been postponed from 4 p.m. to-morrow until noon on Friday. It is understood that the officials were unable to procure all vthe waterside labour required for "unloading, and ,wet weather accentuated the difficulties. It is expected that the same crew of volunteers will sail with the Niagara on the outward trip. OWNERS REJEGT CONFERENCE MELBOURNE, December 4. The 'Australian Steamship Owners’ Federation refused a request from the Seamen’s Union for a conference to discuss the shipping hold-up. The shipowners take the view that they have no dispute with thei seamen, whose quarrel is with the Arbitration Court. The Emergency Committee of the Council of Trades Unions has convened a meeting for to-morrow to discuss the Government’s ultimatum and other developments. ' ■ SEAMEN T 9 KDID SPECIAL MEETINGS SYDNEY, December 4. (Received December 5, at 1 a.m.) Special meetings of the Seamen’s Union will be held throughout Australia on Friday morning to discuss the Prime Minister’s ultimatum. Motions will bo submitted recommending the men to return to work, and that application be made to the Arbitration Court for a variation of the new award. A large section of the men dread the possibility of being brought under the Transport Workers’ Act, which has disciplined the waterside workers in all ports excepting Sydney, to which the Act so far does not apply.

The waterside workers have decided to work the Niagara. The Patrick steamer Cardross sailed to-night with a volunteer crew. .