British Seamen

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVI, Issue 14, 30 December 1925, Page 5

British Seamen

A Superfluous Union STRIKE-BORN ORGANISATION LIKELY TO DISBAND. WALSH’S FUTURE ROLE. ,±>y Cable —Press Association- -Copy rigbt.j (Received 30, 10.20 a.m.) Sydney, Dec. 30. The consensus of opinion at the Trades Mail is that the British Seamen's Lmon, formed during Hie recent strike, will be disbanded owing to insuincient support. Hie leaders of most of the maritime unions were always sceptical regarding the success of the venture, pointing out that the needs of British seamen were already adequately met by Mr. Havelock Wilson’s organisation. There is much opposition among the rank and fire to the proposal that Mr. Walsh should be allowed to organise the British seamen. It is understood some branches have given Walsh to understand that he must choose between the general presidency of tho Australian seamen and the British seamen. At a seamen’s meeting yesterday Walsh did not ask for leave of absence, as was expected. It is reported that British seamen are not enthusiastic about the new union. Many expressed dissatisfaction at the manner in which Walsh conducted the recent strike.

MANNING THE SHIPS. (Received 30, 10.30 a.m.) Melbourne, Dec. 30. The Commonwealth steamship owners called upon the guarantors of the agreement concluded with the Seamen’s Union on August 6 to make good their guarantee, and as a result it is believed that several steamers, including the Ulimaroa, which has been idle in Australian ports for many weeks, will be manned shortly. This development follows a conference between the owners and the Trades Hall Council. One of the guarantors, Lowhead, sailed by the Port Melbourne for New Zealand.