FIGHT TO A FINISH

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 15 July 1925, Page 5

FIGHT TO A FINISH

OWNERS’ DETERMINATION

MELBOURNE. July 14

A meeting of the Steamship Owners’ Association considered a message from tile transport group at Sydney offering to withdraw the seamen's strike threat if a further conference with the owners is granted. The owners rejected the proposal, stating that they were prepared to fight to a finish.

ADELAIDE AND HOBART ADELAIDE, July 14 The crews of two coastal steamers handed m notices.

HOBART, July 14

The shipping trouble extended to Tasmania Local members and crew of the Union Company's steamer Kekerangu gave notice and other vessels will he affected as they arrive.

GOVERNMENT WILL MAINTAIN VITAL SERVICES

MELBOURNE, July 14 In the House of Representatives in reply to questions. Mr Bruce stated that in the event of a shipping hold-up the Government would take whatever action neeo.saiy to maintain vital services and would consider all matters by which the convenience and requirements of the community might be preserved.

ACTION BY GOVERNMENT

TENTATIVE PLAN AGREED ON

MELBOURNE, This Day

The seamen handed in 24 hours’ notice of their intention to leave the ships, tlius ending further negotiations between the shipowners and the transport group. The absence of any message last night from this group in Sydney precipitated a crisis its the seamen expected instructions to hold their hands. The men decided for the present not to hold up Tasmanian boats. The Federal Cabinet was hurriedly summoned to deal with the situation, at which Mr Bruce pointed out the necessity of continuing essential services. Although lie refused to disclose what transpired at the meeting, stating that the hold up had not yet actually occurred. it is ascertained that a tentative plan to ileal with the situation has been agreed upon.

EFFECT CTT WATERSIDERS

SYDNEY, Tliis Day

It is estimated that already the unemployment caused directly by the idleness of vessels by the shipping strike amounts to 2000.

The Watersiders’ Federation will be in a bad position. Seasonal depression is worse this year than usual owing to the demoralised condition of the wheat market-and the absence of wool sales, together with the paucity of other exports. Wharf labourers thrown out of work owing to the inter-State hold up and have little chance of securing other work.

The position of other maritime unions is rendered blacker by the opinion held in shipping circles that no attempt will 'bo made by the inter-State owners to secure volunteer crews to run the vessels during the strike. The Union Company’s Karanui has been idled owing to the crew giving notice.

The Kanna and Kittawa. are due shortly and will also be held up. Two coastal steamers, the Sulmkarra and the Mn inbar, which were laid up earlier in the week, secured volunteer crews and sailed for the north coast.