BRITISH SEAMEN'S STRIKE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19124, 16 September 1925, Page 11

BRITISH SEAMEN'S STRIKE.

EFFORTS AT SETTLEMENT. NEGOTIATIONS IN SYDNEY. LABOUR DELEGATES RETICENT. "A VERY :RITICAL POSITION." 3y Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Reeeivcgd 10.25 p.m.) A. and N.Z. SYDNEY, Sept. 15. Tho Federal Labour Council, is deliberating with a view to conducting negotiations for a settlement of the shipping strike. Delegates refused to-day to make a statement, saying that the position was so critical that any premature announcement might result in the whole of the pending negotiations collapsing. It is stated that tho basis for a roundtable conference -with the shipowners* representatives has been suggested by the maritime unions. The strikers state that certain inter-state delegates are anxious, for political reason, to secure an early settlement of the dispute. Tho Overseas Shipping Representatives' Association denies that any negotiations with the strikers for a settlement of the strike are afoot. At the - sitting of the Deportation Board to-day Mr. Seale, -deputy president of tho Overseas Shipping Representatives' Association, offered to produce the association's books on condition that they were seen only by the board. The chairman of the bbard refused to agree to this condition, and Mr. Watt, counsel for Walsh and Johnson, sated that ho would deal with Mr. Seale in another Court. The motor-ship Port Hobart is the first ship concerned in the strike to depart from Brisbane, Sho sailed to-day, leaving tho striking members of the crew behind. MEN SENT TO PRISON. BIG BATCH IN MELBOURNE. MANY VOLUNTARY SURRENDERS. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Reed. 10.25 p.m.) SYDNEY. Sept. 15. Twenty-se\'en more striking seamen wero arrested to-day. In Melbourne, 161 striking seamen were sentenced to seven days in gaol, and ordered to forfeit two days' pay. Later fifty more seamen surrendered to tho police. A further batch offered to oarrender, but the police were unable to arrest them as tho warrants had not been issued. The men who already were im prisoned state that they are having a better time iu gaol than they had on the ships. The only work they are required tb do is to scrub floors. In Adelaide, three men were sentenced to 14 days in gaol, ordered to forfeit a day's pay, and to pay £2 costs. Forty other cases wero adjourned pending developments. Subsequently a number of additional mon wore sentenced to 14 days' imprisonment. POSITION IN BRITAIN. "THE STRIKE VS DEAD." ' MANNING OF ALL VESSELS. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Kecd.s.sp.m.) LONDON, Sept. 14. The Seamen's Union reports that the strike is dead in Britain. All ships, it is stated, are fully manned, and are sailling pupctually. Tho union is not participating in the Southampton proceedings in reference to the legality of the variation of wages during a voyage, but it points out that the retrospective clause in seamen's articles, which is three years old, has not previously been challenged. The clause, it is remarked, was universally operative in 1924 when the seamen's wages were increased, and inferenit is operative now when the increase has been withdrawn. In tine Southampton Police Court, Frederick Jackson • claimed from the captain of the Union Castle liner Saxon the sum of £1 4s 8d as balance of wages due as a fireman. The case has been brought to test whether their wages may legally be reduced in the course of a voyage. Tho case was adjourned. SEAMEN AT CAPETOWN. ACCOMMODATION PROVIDED. SLEEPING IN DRILL HALL, Router, CAPETOWN, Sept. 14. After a deputation had interviewed the immigration officer, some 400 seamen who are ashore decided to place themselves in the hands Of the immigration authorities, who promised considerate treatment. It is understood that < the seamen will be nccommodated at the Wynberg military camp, not as prisoners, but under surveillance. The drill hail meanwhile lias been placed at their, disposal for sleeping purposes. The men do not lack meals. GUARDED BY POLICE. MIXED CREW AT ADELAIDE. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Reed. 10.25 p.m.) ADELAIDE. Sept, 15. Tho steamer Lycaon, which has arrived from Antwerp, is being guarded by the police. The steamer has white deck hands and Chinese firemen.