NO SEAMEN'S STRIKE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14224, 22 November 1909, Page 6

NO SEAMEN'S STRIKE.

BALLOT DISPENSED WITH.

UNION SECRETARY'S ADVICE.

According to information gathered by a Herald representative on Saturday it appears that the ballot, which was to bo taken among members of the Seamen's Union engaged in the intercolonial trade to ascertain if they were prepared to come out on strike if called upon, in sympathy with the .Newcastle miners, has been dispensed with. . It was stated that following on Friday night's meeting & telegram was despatched to Mr. William Belcher, general secretary of the Sea'men's Union, at Dunedin, inquiring whether it was advisable for the men to go out on strike, and that he replied pointing out that if such a course were adopted each branch of the union in New Zealand wouid bo liable to a fine of £100, and further that each individual member would be liable to be fined also. He advised local members, under these circumstances, not to strike.

The advice given by Mr. Belcher, it is understood, was at once accepted, and it was decided to dispense with the* ballot. The men spoken to, while sympathising with the Newcastle miners, stated that by striking 'they did not see how they would be helping the cause of their Newcastle friends, whereas if they remained at work they would be able to render them monetary assistance. The only thing, they said, which would justify them in taking such extreme action would be if coal was shipped for the Australian market, and they were glad to see that there was no movement in this direction.

The men apparently do not view the circumstance of intercolonial liners taking in sufficient coal here for the return voyage in any antagonistic light, as was demonstrated by the fact that the Maheno at 12 o'clock last night started taking in 1000 extra tons of bunker coal for her trip to Sydney and back. The possibility of the strike extending to New Zealand may be looked upon as remote. ,