INTER-STATE SHIPPING.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 9 July 1925, Page 5

INTER-STATE SHIPPING.

COMPLETE HOLD-UP EXPECTED. BY CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT, SYDNEY, July 8. The Commonwealth Steamship Owners’ Association state the opinion that no good purpose would be served by meeting at Sydney the union’s delegation, a s the association will not accept an agreement entered into by the Commonwealth Line. The association, however, will meet the de'egation as a matter of courtesy. It is the general opinion in Victorian shipping circles that there will be a complete lio’d-up of all inter-Stato shipping within the next six days. At Brisbane a mass meeting of seamen endorsed the Sydney branch’s decision to give notice at tho home ports on July 14. .

“BLACK” BECOMES “WHITE.” SYDNEY, July 8. The Marine Transport Group carried two important resolutions as the result of which the shipping outlook took a less serious aspect. The first resolution decided that the Commonwealth steamers Dilga and Eromanga, which have been “black” for some time, be declared “white.” This followed a conference with the Premier (Mr Lang). At a later meeting the group decided to declare the North Coast Company’s steamer “white.” This steamer had previously been declared “black,” and was the cause of the men refusing to work her at Mort’s Dock. Probably the dock will be open again in the course of a few days. It is reported that Mr Lang is interviewing the directors of Mort’s Dock on Thursday, and it is believed work will be resumed there on either Thursday or Friday. With these matters settled the dispute locally has resolved itself into a battle between' the Seamen’s Federation and the inter-State Companies.

UNION’S ULTIMATUM TO OWNERS.

SYDNEY, July 8. The Seamen’s Union has notified owners of inter-State vessels that they require a reply by July 14 whether the disputed clause will be inserted in the articles on that date. The men are holding a stop-work meeting to consider the replies by that time. Other ships, however, will b involved, as it is the present intention of the union that home port men give notice on all inter-State vessels arriving in ports after the 10th. This will have the effect of tying up each steamer in turn, as no response will be made to the call for men to take their places. WALSH AND JOHANSON ROUTED. SYDNEY, July 8. The decision to lift the ban on the Hunter was reached after a long and stormy meeting, Messrs Walsh and Johanson strenuously resisting the proposal, but eventually they and their minority were routed.