WHARF STRIKE

Greymouth Evening Star, 24 January 1942, Page 7

WHARF STRIKE

THREAT TO USE NAVY. SYDNEY. January 17. The Prime Minister. Mr. J. Curtin, to-day ordered the Navy to unload the cargo of an overseas vessel in an Australian port which waterside workers had refused to handle unless their demands were met. Following urgent representations by the Labour Minister. Mr. Ward, the Prime Minister modified his original order, and now has given the men until Monday morning to work the vessel. About 100 waterside workers struck last Monday for 2/- an hour ex Ira for handling the ship’s cargo. In spite of appeals by the Government and union officials, the men refused to work the ship until their demand was granted.

Mr. Ward telephoned Canberra immediately, and also got in touch with the Federal secretary of the Waterside Workers’ Federation. Air. J. Healy. Air. Healy said he had no hint of Air. Curlin's contemplated action. He had already telegraphed Air. Curtin that the mon would work the vessel on Alondav.

Mr. Curtin sent the following telegram to the Chief of the Naval Staff. Vice-Admiral Sir Guy Royle: “I herewith authorise the Navy to requisition an Allied steamer berthed at an Australian port. It is of vital importance that ships be not delayed in port, and this applies even more particularly to ships of other flags working in the interests of the Allied cause. Therefore requisition the shi'.j and unload the cargo with and under naval forces. The ship can then be. released. But if subsequent loading be refused by civil labour, repeat the requisition and load such cargo as offers.” Subsequently, on receiving an assurance that the unionists would work on Monday. Air. Curtin directed the Navy to withhold action until Alonday. “The ship will be worked on Alonday morning.” he said, “either by the union or the Navy.” The Information Minister, Senator Ashley, went to Thirroul to-day and told striking miners that he would “put them in khaki" if they did not go back to work. The miners, after a rowdy meeting, in which they declared Senator Ashley could not call ih-~m cowards, decided to reopen the Old Buili mine on Monday. Old Bulli mine has been idle for a week, because one 60-year-old miner refuses to be pensioned off before February 21, the date provided for in the Act.