SHIPPING STRIKE

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 28 October 1925, Page 7

SHIPPING STRIKE

COAL FOR SHIPS PROTECTION FOR FREE LABOUR QUESTIONS FOR MR LANG. v BY CABLE—PBESS ASSOCIATION—COPYBIGHT, Received Oct. 28, 10.35 a.m. SYDNEY, Oct. 28. Questioned whether he would bring pressure to bear on the Lumpers’ Union to coal the idle ships, also as the primary producers were prepared to do the work, would he see that ample protection was afforded them, Mr Lang, the State Premier, replied that the matter was receiving attention. Nothing helpful; would be gained by asking questions at this juncture.

LOYAL STEWARDS ATTACKED AFFRAY AT A DANOE. SYDNEY, Oct. 27. A number of stewards on the steamer Nestor who refused to join the strike were enveigled to a dance last night, where they were attacked «nd roughly handled by a mob of strikers. One of the lady dancers informed the police patrol, who came to the rescue and escorted the men to the ship. 'One of the stewards was so severely knocked about that he was sent to hospital. Three or four others were badly bruised.

The steamer Port Sydney, which was held up by strikers at Brisbane, reached Sydney to-day.

STRIKERS HOAXED A TOWNSVILLE INCIDENT. . COAL FOR THE MAHIA. BRISBANE, Oct. 27. The strikers are incensed over a ruse whereby the steamer Paparoa was enabled to leave Townsville. Several motor-cars filled with police were sent to the jetty where the steamer Somerset was lying, attracting the strikers thither. The Paparoa seized the opportunity to swing out en route to London via Torres Straits. When the strikers returned they realised that they had been hoaxed, but it was too late to do anything beyond angrily demonstrating. The latest report from Gladstone states that the conference between Captain Williams, master of the Mahia, representatives of the strikers, crew and the head of police discussed the position. It was stated that the Brisbane strike committee had wired emphatically declining to permit coal being placed on board any British steamer. Captain Williams stated that coal was now available. Ample police protection has been . promised, and the farmers are determined not to allow the meat on the Mahia to perish. One of the strikers declared that if Captain Williams put on free.labour he would have to accept the responsibility for any bloodshed. He added that the matter lay in the hands of the Brisbane, and not the local strike committee. Finally the strikers’ delegates undertook to give a definite answer by Wednesday night, and meantime to withdraw the pickets. Later two delegates left for Brisbane to place the position .before, the strike executive. \ POLICE GUARD VESSEL. FREMANTLE, Oct. 27. For the first time since the strike began a strong police guard was provided for the arrival of the ship Ejiton from New York. The strikers gave a wide berth, the Enton tying up without incident. The lumpers are discharging the cargo.