AUSTRALIAN DISPUTES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19062, 6 July 1925, Page 9

AUSTRALIAN DISPUTES.

SETTLEMENT EFFORTS. SHIPPING CIRCLES CYNICAL, A. and N.Z. SYDNEY. July S. In consequence of intervention in the shipping dispute by the State Government, the feeling in Ministerial and industrial circles is that it may be settled at an early date. For a week past leading trade unionists have been in daily conference with prominent members of the Cabinet, and influential shipping owners have also been approached on behalf of the Government. It is generally considered in shipping circles, however, that the Premier of New South Wales, Mr. J. T. cannot alone do anything because the deadlock has already touched three States, and the remaining three must become embroiled at an early date. It is stated that the shipowners intend to discard the late award immediately and not to await the expiration of shipii* articles. After holding further interviews with the union representatives Mr. Lang stated to-day that he was hopeful of a satisfactory issue next week. In the meantime the owners were marking time, awaiting the outcome of a meeting of the unions on Monday. The Zealandia is still idle. This ship has been tied up and her passengers have had their fares refunded. It is stated that the reason the crew of the Zealandia gave notice was that six men whose home ports are Fremantlo and Adelaide intended to give notice on arrival at these ports. As a< result the Sydney seamen decided not, to sail" in the Zealandia in view of the possibility of the vessel being held up either at Fremantle or Adelaide through shortage of men." Trouble is expected in getting tho Bombala away from Brisbane, as seven members of the crew have given notice of their intention to leave the vessel there. Four others have been dismissed for various reasons. Efforts to secure men to fill the vacant places: hare proved futile. The recent meeting at Mort's t>ock had no vital bearing upon the main issue of the shipping dispute. The meeting was attended by a number of men who are not employed at the dock, and the marine transport group, which called the meeting, had no authority to call ary man off the job. I\ T o officials from the unions concerned addressed the meeting, which did not represent the employees of the dock. When the bell rang for the resumption of work most of the employees resumed.