STRIKE EXTENDS

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 16 July 1925, Page 5

STRIKE EXTENDS

2500 AFFECTED IN SYDNEY

THIRTEEN COAT, MTNES IDLE. WATER SIDED S STILL WORKING. BY CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGH'I (Received Julv 16, 10.5 a.in.) SYDNEY, July 16. The scope of the shipping dispute has extended. Fifty vessels, involving 2500 men, are idle in Sydney. Twentythree vessels- were affected yesterday. Grave fears regarding the already disastrous effect- of the strike upon the northern coal trade are expressed in colliery circles. At present 22 collieries are idle, due in 13 cases to the tying up of steamers and three cases to shortage of trucks. The watersiders’ decision to work all vessels includes those manned by volunteer crews. This is regarded as indicative of lack of sympathy between the rank and file of the Watersiders’ Federation and the Seamen’s Union.

SITUATION AT MELBOURNE. WATERSIDERS AFFECTED. (Received July 16, 10.55 a.m.) MEBOURNE, July 16. Approximately 2000 watersiders will be affected during the next few days by the tying up of the steamers already involved. An unusual means of defeating the refusal of seamen to supply steam for the winches was adopted for the unloading of the Coolana. Steam was raised from donkey engines on the wharf, thus the engines could be worked by the watersiders themselves. Inquiries among representatives of overseas shipping companies revealed their disinclination among agents- to take advantage of the proposed suspension of the coastal clauses in the Navigation Act. CABINET RIEADY TO INTERVENE. AN ELEVENTH HOUR CONFERENCE.

MELBOURNE, July 15

Maritime union otticials state that they have been advised from Sydney that- the transport group of unions is in negotiation with a big section of tho shipowners and that tiiere is a prospect of a partial settlement. They added that negotiations are pioceeding with one of the biggest mter-State companies for a -settlement on the basts of the agreement made with the Commonwealth Line and that- an agreement had practically been reached. This report- -is not confirmed. Meantime, the Shipowners’ Association agreed to an eleventh-hour conference with the union leaders, and the conference is now deliberating. The Federal Cabinet is sitting considering measures to be adopted 10 meet the situation in the event of a strike. The Premier (Mr. S. M. Rmce) declined to give any indication of the Government’s intention, but he said .that while Cabinet was prepared to meet any eventuality it would refrain from taking any precipitate aci ion which may* have the effect of extending the dispute. The Government would enter the light only when essential services regarded as vital to the welfare of the community were threatened. There is no immediate intention to suspend tho .section*, of the Navigation Act- to enable overseas vessels to engage in the inter-State trade, but if Australian shipping is paralysed the Government will not hesitate to lift the ban now imposed upon vessels not upon the Australian register

The watersidere have been instructed to continue to work all vessels until the cargoes have been discharged. In the House of Representatives Mr. Charlton moved xhe adjournment of the House to discuss, the .shipping strike. He said the time had arrived when some definite action should he taken by the Prime Minister to settle the trouble*. He had every reason for believing! that if the parties were brought together all matters in dispute could be settled satisfactorily. He added' that if the present .state, of industrial turmoil existed when the American fleet arrived there was no hope of the admiral allowing his men a.shoro. The motion was lost on the voices.

In the Senate, Senator Pearce moved the suspension of standing orders to permit the introduction of a Rill to amend the Navigation: Act to allow British steamers .to carry passengers on the Australian coast in the event of n complete and. prolonged shipping holdup. Labour solidly opposed the int.rodne+io" of .the Pill. The debate is proceed! ng.

.STATUS TO RIJN OWN SERVICES. LABORR GOVERNMENTS MAY TAKE ACTTON. SYDNEY. July IG. it is semi-offieiall.v stated that unless the shipping dispute is settled almost immediately steps will lie taken by the. different Governments to ensure a service between the States. At present five out of six States are uncle] .Labour Government, and if there is a ral hohl-up they will be compelled to take action. The actual steps to be taken are not .determined, but it is suggested ships might be chartered temporarily or as the nucleus ot a permanent State-owned shipping line. Mr Jiang, when questioned, said nothing definite had yet )>een deeided. and that co-operation between the State Governments would he necessary. ITLIMAROA LAID UP. MELBOURNE, July 15. Nineteen member* of the crew of the Ulirnaroa handed in notices. Efforts to replace thorn proved futile and the crew were paid off and the vessel laid up indefinitely. WILL COMMON WEALTH LINE RUN? MELBOURNE, July 15. The Seamen’s Union meeting on Thursday will decide whether it will grant immunity to owners appending

the guarantee clause to the articles. Messr u Walsh and Fleming favour letting the men work these ships, but Johannsen favours a general fight embracing alj hues. SENSATION IN UNION RANKS. VITRIOLIC ATTACK ON LEADERS. MELBOURNE, July 15. A sensation was caused among the maritime unions by an article published in the official organ of the federated Stewards Union, Melbourne. The article made a violent and vitriolic attack on .certain unnamed officials ot the Seamen’s Union, which it termed self-confessed liars and tricksters, and suggested that the seamen should ap•)!v for re-registration, it advises them tn change their leadership if they want t,> win." A s the stewards have two representatives on the transport group, the attack is likely to be the mam subject of controversy at to-morrow s meeting, and is likely to cause a serious split in the maritime unions. VOLUNTEER CREWS. MELBOURNE, July 15. Volunteer crews have been secured for two north coast steamers. The vessels sailed, manned by members of the Merchant Service Guild. The coal output i« being reduced, as the railway yards are full of trucks because ships .are not available to shut the coal.