FIRM ATTITUDE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 19 December 1935, Page 7

FIRM ATTITUDE

LICENSING OF SEAMEN NOT TO BE WITHDRAWN MINISTER’S PLAIN WORDS (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) SYDNEY, 18th December. Replying to a deputation representing the Seamen’s Central Strike Committee, Mr Menzies, Attorney-General, said the Federal Government’s policy would not be altered and the 'licensing of seamen would not be withdrawn. The Government would continue to use this lawful weapon to deal with a thoroughly unlawful position. If the seamen persisted in the present unwise course they would have to thank their leaders for what would be a long period of unemployment. Mr Menzies added: —

“We have set up the Arbitration Court to deal with the merits of the dispute and the Government’s first duty is to uphold the law. The Government will not tolerate the idea that resort can be made to the Arbitration Court for what suits you, and that the industry of the Commonwealth can be thrown into chaos if an award does not suit you. This strike can be profitable only to those who seek notoriety and desire to further their own non-Australian views through it.” SHORTAGE OF FOOD SUPPLIES VESSEL SAILS FOR NEW GUINEA CREW INCLUDES UNION MEMBERS SYDNEY, 18th December. Owing to the shortage of fresh food and other essential supplies the situation in New Guinea due to the strike is extremely paflous. Burns, Philp, and Co. announced that the steamer Macdhui would be despatched to-morrow for the islands with a licensed volunteer crew. The Macdhui sailed with a volunteer crew, including seven members of the Seamen’s Union, which is interpreted as the first sign that the strikers are weakening.