FEDERAL ACTION POSTPONED

Northern Advocate, 5 December 1935, Page 7

FEDERAL ACTION POSTPONED

THE SHIPPING STRIKE

Seamen Have Chance To Settle MR LYONS TAKES STRONG STAND OWNERS WELCOME THREAT

[United Press Association.-By Electric Telegraph. — Copyright.l SYDNEY, December 4. A S the result of representations made by the Federal Labour Leader, Mr j. Curtin; the the New South Wales Labour Leader, Mr J. A,* Beasley, the Prime Minister, Mr J. A. Lyons, today agreed to postpone until after tomorrow’s meeting of seamen the threatened application of the Transport Workers’ Act to the strikers..

Mr Lyons emphasised that the Government is anxious to secure an early settlement of the strike, and is reluctant to prejudice any attempt now in progress to end the dispute. However, the Government is determined that the strike shall hot be allowed to continue beyond the present week.

Marine, cooks, bakers. and butchers decided today to stand by the seamen. Shipowners generally welcomed the prompt action Of the Federal Government. They think the introduction of the licensing system would make for the- smooth working of the industry. If seamen are compelled to become licr ensed they can be properly controlled, in strikes and threats of violence, and intimidation can be reduced to a minimum.

The Niagara’s departure has been postponed from 4 p.m. tomorrow, until noon on Friday. It is understood that the officials cannot secure all the waterside labour required for unloading, and the wet weather has accentuated the difficulties. It is expected that the same crew of volunteers will sail with the Niagara on the outward trip. A later message says the watersiders have decided to work the Niagara. As the result of the attitude adopted by the New Zealand wharf labourers, who previously refused to handle the Niagara’s cargo, the company is not accepting freight for discharge at. Auckland. The waterside workers in Sydney decided to work the Niagara, whose departure has been scheduled for 4 p.m. tomorrow. It is expected the same crew of volunteers will sail with the vessel on the outward trip.

Conference Refused,

The Australian Steam Ship Owners’ Federation ,*has refused the request of the Seamen’s Union for a conference to discuss the strike. The owners take the view that they have no dispute with the seamen, whose quarrel is with the Arbitration Court.

An emergency meeting of the Council of Trades Unions has been convened for tomorrow to discuss .the Government’s ultimatum and other developments. . Special meetings of the Seamen’s Union will be held throughout Australia on Friday morning to discuss the Prime Minister’s ultimatum to apply the terms of the Transport Workers’ Act unless the men resume work. Motions will be submitted recommending that the men resume work and that application be made to the Arbitration Court for a variation of the new award. A large section of the men dread the possibility of being brought under the Transport Workers’ Act, which disciplines the waterside workers of all ports, excepting Sydney, to which the Act, so far, does not apply. The Patrick steamer, Cardross, sailed last night with a volunteer crew.