Agreement To End Victorian Crisis

Northern Advocate, 29 November 1948, Page 5

Agreement To End Victorian Crisis

MELBOURNE, Mon. (1 p.m.)— The Premier of Victoria (Mr Hollway) has accepted proposals put forward by thq Trades Hall Council for settling the Victorian crisis and ending the dispute over the Essential Services Bill. The main points of the settlement are that the Labour leaders agree to end the ban placed by the seamen on coal cargoes for Victoria, and Mr Hollway is prepared to adjourn the charges laid against the leaders of the transport unions who took part in the 24hour stoppage on November 17. Mr Hollway said that he regarded the industrial settlement as a triumph for moderation and as an indication that trade unionism generally was not prepared to be the tool of the Communists. NO UNDERTAKING Denying statements made by the militants to a mass meeting on the Yarra bank that he had undertaken ngver to use the Essential Services Act, Mr Hollway said: “I gave no undertaking of any sort, but we would be stupid to try to carry out anything that was going to foment trouble. “Cabinet will have to decide whether amendments to widen the act and increase its effectiveness will be proceeded with. “The Crown will not oppose the adjournment of prosecutions. “The Government will decide before the expiry of the adjournment period whether the prosecutions should go on. “Obviously, if things are all right in a fortnight’s time, we will not stick out our necks by going on.” C.P. DISSATISFIED? It is believed that six Country Party members of Cabinet are dissatisfied with the settlement. Observers say that at a Cabinet meeting the Liberals will have one member less than the Country Party, as the Attorney-General (Mr Oldham) is In hospital. Tugboat crews are handling the freighter Ocean Volunteer, which has arrived with coal from Britain.