LARGS BAY DISPUTE

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11252, 3 July 1922, Page 8

LARGS BAY DISPUTE

ULTIYIATUM FAILS TO ALTER MEN’S ATTITUDE. POSITION CAUSES ANXIETY. By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright. SYDNEY, July 1. A mass meeting of seamen passed a resolution asking for an inquiry into the cause of the dismissal of tho boatswain of the Largs Bay. Tho request was telegraphed to Melbourne,_ and a reply has been received refusing the request and reaffirming the Government's intention to choose its own eiew. An ultimatum was also issued stating that unless the union mans the ship unconditionally by noon on Saturday, all the Commonwealth vessels will be laid up as they arrive. The Commonwealth fleet consists of forty-three vessels, with six hundred officers and engineers and four thousand seamen. It is thought that in the event of a general hold-np, the vessels will, in future, be placed under English articles, under which the cost of . running them will he considerably lower. (Received July 2, 5.5 p.m.) SYDNEY. July 2.

A deadlock has been reached over the Commonwealth ships trouble. Up to the time of the expiry of the ultimatum not a single seaman presented himself for engagement on the steamer Largs Bay. Under the terms of the ultimatum, therefore, practically the whole of the Commonwealth ships will be paid off as they arrive. The position is causing great anxiety in shipping circles and the next move is anxiously awaited.