WIN FOR MODERATES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXV, Issue 305, 23 November 1945, Page 5

WIN FOR MODERATES

AUSTRALIAN UNREST

REBUFF TO COMMUNISTS (N.Z. Press Association.—Copyright.) (Rec. 12.10 p.m.) SYDNEY, Nov. 23. The extremists received a severe \ rebuff last night when the New South Wales Trades and Labour Council affirmed the policy of arbitration and conciliation and, on a vote, requested the Ironworkers’ Federation, to apply to the Industrial Commisison for re-registra-tion. This decision revealed overwhelming support for the anti-Communist section and is an endorsement of moderate unions, who are opposing any extension of the present steel strikes.

The Ironworkers’ Federation was deregistered by the Full Court of Industrial Commission following what was termed “a deliberate and premeditated challenge to the authority of the 'Commission.”

A spokesman for the Ironworkers’ Union indicated at last night’s “meeting of the, Labour Council that the union would seek re-registration “when it suited the union to do so.”

A general coal strike now seems likely unless there is a speedy settlement of the steel dispute at Newcastle and Port Kembla. Twelve collieries were idle yesterday in sympathy with the steel strikers. These mines produce 12,770 tons of coal a day and employ more than 3000 men. The men at eight collieries yesterday decided to stop work because of the alleged handling of coal from the pit of the Broken Hill Proprietary by non-union labour. In deciding to strike, the rank and file members at a pit-top meeting instructed their officers to urge the Miners’ Federation executive to extend the strike to all mines in the State unless there was a swift and satisfactory settlement of the steel disputes.