SHIPPING SERVICES MUST BE MAINTAINED

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 2 December 1927, Page 5

SHIPPING SERVICES MUST BE MAINTAINED

FEDERAL PREMIER’S DECLARATION

CANBERRA, Ist Doc,

In tho House of Representatives Mr Bruce moved the suspension • of the Standing Orders to discuss the waterside trouble, the motion setting out that “In view of the serious unemployment and general distress which will result therefrom, the House pledges itself to support the Government in. taking any steps it deems necessary in conjunction with the Governments of the States, as far as possible to maintain law and order, and to ensure a continuance of the services necessary to the whole commonwealth.”

The Leader of the Opposition protested and a long and heated wrangle followed in which tho Government was charged with attempting to get despotic legislation to deal with an industrial trouble which it had failed to get before (referring to the previous trouble when an attempt was made to secure power to deport the seamen's leaders, Walsh find Johnson). The incessant uproar resulted in tho suspension of Mr Blakeley on the motion of Mr Bruce. j

Mr Bruce, speaking to the resolution said that the Government would he justified in interfering in a dispute where one of the parties was acting in flagrant contempt of an award which it had received. The shipping services had to be maintained and the Government would take action to see that they were, and also to see that those who carried on the services would receive adequate protection. In an extreme case tho Government would issue a proclamation under the Crimes Act.

Mr Charlton moved an amendment to Mr Bruce’s resolution .* “That the House is of tho opinion that consultations should he held immediately between the Government and tho various State Oov--'ernments affected, and organisations concerned, to come to some clear understanding .of the matter at issue, and the settlement thbrecif, bv means of conference and conciliation.”

In the (Senate a resolution, similar to Mr Bruce’s was carried despite the protests of Labour Senators.

MR. BRUCE’S MOTION CARRIED

(Received 2nd Dee., 11.35 a.m.) CANBERRA, This Day. Tiie House of Representatives, after an all-night sitting, negatived Mr Charlton’s amendment by 34 votes to 15 and carried Air Bruce’s motion bv 33 votes to 16.

In the course of the debate Mr Bruce said that the necessary labour for loading primary produce ‘must be obtained. It would be essential to ensure adequate protection to those, who gave their services for that purpose and if that course became necessary, the Ministry would have to get into touch with the State Ministries and endeavour to arrange smell protection. He. added : “This Parliament has considerable power under the Crimes Act, and the Ministry can issue, a proclamation declaring that a state of industrial unrest exists and then take action as it thinks necessary.” Mr Charlton, in reply, said that lie had been in communication with Mr Seale, of the Wnlcrsidcrs’ Federation, and Air Hollownv, secretary of the .Melbourne Trades Hall Council, and Mr Seale’s opinion was that Government action would only make the position worse. Air Holloway declared that it

would be a fatal blunder for the Ministry to act at present. He was sure that the dispute could be settled. Mr Bruce here interjected: “There will be no action by the Government if there is a chance of settlement.” Mr Charlton continued that he was prepared, in co-operation with Mr Bruce to endeavour to bring the parties to the dispute together, and believed that the strike could be settled within two or three days.

EARLY SETTLEMENT PREDICTED

Mr Scullin told the House that he could, with authority, stato that steps were being taken, that,' within a few days, '.would bring about a settlement.