LABOUR WORLD

Grey River Argus, 17 April 1925, Page 5

LABOUR WORLD

THE SEAMEN S GRIEYANCES. Icr Press Association). SA DN EY , April in. Shipowner.-;, are now convinced tliai a definite policy <>f obstruction is bccarried on by Hie Seamen’s Union io hold the vessels, in lace ol the recent High Court injunctions. Although lhe Marania does not strictly concern Hie Sydney branch of the Seamen’s Union there is little’ doubt that Australian seamen have boon warned not to apply for positions on her. Several calls for men were made at the Mercantile Marine office, but although on. one occasion there were ninety ;n - n seeking engagement, none came forward for and Dilga are still unable to obtain crews. AUSTRALIAN NA\'|G.\lloN' ACT. UNION COY’S POSITION. SYDNEY, April 15. In the High Court, argument was opened in a special < avsc, raising the question whether certain provisions in the Navigation Act are invalid, the parties to tho case beaig the Uuinn Steamship Company. and Nicholas Jones, Superintendent of the Mercantile Marino Office and his employer, the Commonwealth Government. This is a specia*! case cited tor the High Court. A condition of this case is that if the High Court decides the Company is not required by law tq comply with the conditions including payment of fees imposed by the Navigation Act, judgment will be entered for the. Company for a.n appropriate sum and costs, that if the questions arc answered in favour of the Government, the Company will have to pay the costs o| lhe Arbitration Court. W ANTS 1 IE DOWN THE UNION. SYONEY. April IG. At the hearing of a case re a consent agreement entered into by the Ship Painters and Dockers’ Union and the Commonwealth Steamship Owners a. new award. He said that at some stage before the award was made he would require tho Union to show cause why it should not give security for the performance of the award when made. Regarding the consent agreement, he said that ho intended inserting a clause which would enable the owners to apply to the Court for suspension or cancellation of the agreement if any breaches were committed by the Union, its branches or members. VOLUMNIA STILL AN OBSTACLE. (Received April IG al 7.26 p.m.) SYDNEY, April .16. At Hie Federal Arbitration Court during the hearing of the Ship Painters and Dockers’ Union claim for a new award, counsel for the employers announced that when the Xolumnia was taken to dock to-day. the painters and dockers refused to work on the vessel, stating that they had been instructed by their Union not to handle her. Sir J. Quirk then adjourned the hearing to enable the Union officials to make an effort to effect a. settlement. AI A RAALA PASSEN'G ER S TRANSFER. SYDNEY, April 16. The sailing of the Manama has indefinitely been postponed. The passengers have transferred to the Maheno, which is sailing on Friday.