COOKS’ STRIKE.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 16 May 1928, Page 7

COOKS’ STRIKE.

BRINGING IT TO A HEAD.

REASON FOR OWNERS’ ACTION. (UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION—BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH—COPYRIGHT.) (AUSTRALIAN PRESS ASSOCIATION.) SYDNEY, May 15. The owners ’ drastic action is taken with the object of bringing the cooks * strike to a head. They are working on a plan which they are keeping strictly secret, and there is little doubt that the tying up of the ships is only the prelude to further action. The campaign, which is being directed from Melbourne, has so far resulted in rendering idle 300 men. Developments within the next 24 hours will determine whether the country is to be faced with a crisis similar to the 1927 strike or whether the cooks’ strike will come to an abrupt ending. The latest move by the owners is regarded iby the 'other unions with grave concern, as already unemployment is rampant. There are now 14 steamers idle as a result of the cooks ’ strike.

An amazing situation has arisen in Melbourne in connection with the efforts of the union loaders to settle the dispute. Although the Australasian Council of Trades’ Unions yesterday adjourned the martitime union conference until Wednesday to enable Mr. Tudehupe to attend, the Waterside Workers’ Federation to-day summoned a maritime conference of its own for the same hour to-morrow to deal with the dispute. It is now stated that Mr. Tudehope will attend the watersiders’ conference, although he is expected at the other.

Despite the fact that, the efforts, of the unions' to arrive at a settlement are now divided, it is believed the outcome of the two conferences to-morrow will be that the cooks will be asked to resume ivork.

A meeting of the maritime cooks at Sydney considered the strike position, but did not reach a decision as to future action.

It was decided to send Mr. Tudehope to Melbourne to-night to participate in to-morrow’s maritime conference.