VERY GRAVE

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 2 July 1925, Page 7

VERY GRAVE

THE SHIPPING DISPUTE. THE MEN’S ULTIMATUM. MORE VESSELS TTED UP. BY CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT, SYDNEY, July 1. The seamen’s decision to issue an ultimatum to the shipowners caused a stir in business and union circles. The general opinion is that the situation is now very grave. The. Watersiders’ Federation met to discuss the last development, but adjourned without a decision as to what attitude to adopt. Federated bodies and unions concerned will probably meet on Friday', when it is expected a decision will be reached. The Commonwealth Line steamer Carina is the latest addition to the ■tied-up list, the owners refusing to insert the guarantee clause. The sailing of the Howard Smith steamer Karoola was cancelled by the owners. No reason is given.

FIGHT TO A FINISH. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PREPARED. MELBOURNE; July 1. Addressing the Rotary' Club, Mr Bruce said the Government was prepared, if necessary, to fight the Seamen’s Union to a finish to secure the conduct of national services. The Federal Cabinet had considered the shipping unrest and had decided that if commerce is paralysed the Government will maintain tlie essential services, and, if necessary, requisition vessels and man them with volunteer labour.

SIGNIFICANT ACT. WATERSIDERS IGNORE SEA-MEN’S REQUEST. (Received July 2, 11.15 a.m.) SYDNEY, July 2. Tlie fact that the steamer Canberra was unloaded by waterside unionists is said to have some significance respecting the shipping trouble; as it is reported that the watersiders were offically asked by seamen not to perform unloading operations on the ground that the watersiders had agreed to support the seamen. The fact that the request was ignored has raised a doubt whether the seamen will receive wholehearted support from the waterside workers if the threatened extension of the dispute occurs.

TRADE UNIONISTS AGAINST AN UPHEAVAL. SYDNEY, July 2. Mr 'Willis, vice-president of the Executive Council, speaking at Dnbbo, said that it was hoped, within a few. days, to find a solution of the difficulties. Trade unionists were set against an upheaval of any kind at present. SUPPORT FOR SEAMEN. FROM MELBOURNE AND ADELAIDE. MELBOURNE, July 2. The Melbourne branch of the Seamen’s Union has decided to fall in with the -action taken by the Sydney branch in giving the owners 14 days’ notice of their intention to cease work if the guarantee clause were not inserted in the articles. The Adelaide branch has acted similarly.