ATTITUDE OF CABINET.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19810, 3 December 1927, Page 13

ATTITUDE OF CABINET.

MAINTENANCE OF ORDER.

MR. BRUCE'S INTENTIONS.

"™~~ #■ SUPPORT OF PARLIAMENT.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. A. and N.Z. CANBERRA, Dec. 2,

The discussion arising out of the shipping strike wast continued in the House of Representatives throughout a late sitting last night. The Prime Minister, Mr. S. M. Bruce, as previously stated, had the suspension of the Standing Orders to discuss the trouble. The motion set out that: "In view of the serious unemployment and general distress which will result from the dispute, the House pledges itself to support the Government in taking any steps it deems necessary in conjunction with Governments of States as far as possible to maintain law and order and to ensure the continuance of service necessary to the whole Commonwealth."

The Leader of the Opposition, Mr. M. Charlton, moved an amendment to Mr. Bruce's motion; "That the House is of opinion that consultations should be held immediately between the Government and the various State Governments affected and the organisations concerned to come to some clear understanding of the matter at issue and effect a settlement thereof by of conference and conciliation." ; .

The House, after an all-night sitting, negatived Mr. Charlton's amendment by 34 votes to 15 and carried Mr. Bruce's motion by 33 to 16.

In the course of the debate Mr. Bruce said it was nocessary that labour for loading primary produce must be obtained and it would be essential to ensure adequate protection to those who gave their services for that purpose, if that course became necessary. The Ministry would have to get into touch with the State Ministries and endeavour to arrange such protection. Mr. Brace added: "This Parliament has considerable power under the Crimes Act. The Ministry can issue a proclamation declaring a state of industrial unrest exists and then take what action it thinks necessary." Mr. Charlton, in reply, said he had been in communication with Mr. W. H. Seale, of the Watersiders' Federation, and Mr. Holloway, secretary of the Melbourne Trades Hall Council. Mr. Seale's opinion was that Government action would only make the position worse. Mr. 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 interjected that there would be no action by the Government if there was 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. He believed the strike could be settled within two or three days. Mr. Scullin stated that he could, with authority, state that steps were being taken that within a few days would bring about a settlement. As already stated, a resolution similar to that moved by Mr. Bruce was adopted in the Senate yesterday.