NOT STRIKE BREAKERS

Grey River Argus, 12 May 1945, Page 5

NOT STRIKE BREAKERS

BRITISH DOCKERS COMING TO AUSTRALIA. (Rec. 6.30). SYDNEY, May 11. The Minister of the Navy, Hon. Mr Makin, referred to-day to Opposition comment on British dock labourers coming to Australia and' on the Sydney waterfront dispute. Mr Makin said that the decision to bring out British dockyard - workers to Australia was made some months ago, and had nothing to do with any present industrial disputes. Mi’ Makin announced that five thousand British workmen would come to Australia to assist in the servicing of the British Pacific Fleet in the Australian docks. A big percentage of these workers will be engaged at the new Captain. Cook dock in Sydney. “The decision to bring these workers to Australia is entirely due to the great shortage of any technical operatives in the various trades engaged in this class of work,” said Mr Makin. “The extra strain which will be imposed on our manpower in mobilising our full strength for the ultimate defeat of Japan makes it clear that Australia has not sufficient technical-ly-trained men to meet every demand that might be made in an ever-in-creasing force, as represented by the British Pacific Fleet. Thousands of skilled workmen are required in the British establishments for this essential purpose.”