THE STRIKE

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 16 January 1925, Page 5

THE STRIKE

TASMANIAN, SERVICES

GOVERNMENT TAKES OVER SHIP

EFFORT TO OBTAIN CREW. BY CABLB—PRESS A SSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT. Received Jan. -16, 10 a.m. MELBOURNE, Jan. 16. The Prime Minister (the Hon. Mr Bruce) has announced that in view of the situation which has arisen as a result of the present industrial trouble in inter-Statc shipping services, the Commonwealth Government lias taken over the steamer Nirana, : n order to maintain the necessary communication between Tasmania and the mainland. In order to obtain a crew, the Government is inserting an advertisement m the press, inviting suitable persons to apply at the Mercantile Marine offices to-day. Mr Bruce emphasised the Government’s action is not being taken in relation to the present dispute, but solely to meet the particular and pressing situation.

MOERAKI’S CREW. THIRT Y-F'O'UR IMPRISONED. Received Jan. 16, 11.45 a.m. MELBOURNE, Jan. 16. Thirty-four members of the crew of the Moeraki, charged with disobeying the lawful commands from the captain, were sentenced to fourteen days’ imprisonment. The Crown Prosecutor explained that when ordered to cast off to allow the vessel to proceed to an anchorage m the bay, members of the deck department refused duty and the stokehold crew refused to operate the furnaces. The company had to engage tugs to assist the ship to anchorage. JUa.ptain Doorley said his idea in taking the vessel to the anchorage was because he ryould have a freer hand to engage men by going ashore when the vessel ryas not at the wharf. He knew there were men eager to join at New Zealand rates, because they were starving. Three men had offered at the ship on Saturday, but before he could interview them they bad been spirited away. Passengers on the Moeraki had offered to pay the difference between Australian and New Zealand rates in order that the vessel might sail, but he had had to refuse. MELBOURNE, Jan. 15. Thirty-four members ol’ the crew of the Moeraki were arrested and charged with refusing duty. A meeting of Melbourne wharf labourers declared the Clan Monroe black. The Port Phillip stevedores ignored this and decided to work the vessel. Warrants have been issued for the arrest of the missing members of the crew of the Commonwealth steamer Barambah.

RELIEF FOR TASMANIA. SYDNEY. Jan. 15, Members of the Waterside Workers’ Federation are working the Commonwealth liner Hobson’s Bay. A number of members of the Returned Soldiers' Union are also engaged in the same task. No friction was experienced. The steamer Poolta has been docked, preparatory to engaging in the run to Tasmania, and is expected to depart with supplies on Tuesday next. WALSH REMANDED. PERTH, Jan. 15. Tom Walsh, general secretary of the Australian Seamen’s Union, who was arrested on a charge of having incited the watersiders to strike, was remanded for eight days. Bail was allowed.