THE STEWARDS' STRIKE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18141, 12 January 1921, Page 5

THE STEWARDS' STRIKE

MATTER OF GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION. OWNERS’ FIRM STAND. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. SYDNEY, January 11. A communication from Mr Hughes confirmed the statement that he had declined to appoint a tribunal unless requested by both parties to do so. This decision is in consequence of the stewards’, action in resorting to a strike, and thus causing great inconvenience and hardship. It is believed in shipping circles that a move is on foot to force Govern ment intervention by stop-work meetin b s and the threat of a gen. - al strike, failing which coal supplies will be cut off. The owners - are still determined not to negotiate until the strikers return to work. THE STRANDED NEW ZEALANDERS. PROVISION OF~ACCOMMODATION. QUESTION OF RELIEF STEAMER. SYDNEY, January 11. Upwards of 1000 people desirous of reaching New Zealand are held up at Sydney. Of these about 300 are New 'Zealanders who are. here on - business or pleasure, also many immigrants. Over 300 men are at the Town Hall, under the presidency of Mr Joseph Lewis, of Wellington. It was announced that Mr Blow, Government Agent, had done all in his power to assist and move the dominion Government to send a vessel. It is suggested that Mr Hughes should be to provide a cruiser for the purpose, but nothing will be done in this direction till a reply has been received from Mr Massey to a request for a special passenger steamer. The Lord Mayor is providing a room at the Town Hall for the convenience of New Zealanders. Mr P. Kenny, of the Young Men’s Christian Association, states that accommodation lias been found for all except 100 New Zealand immigrants. STATEMENT BY MR MASSEY. GOVERNMENT AWAITING PARTICULARS. , (From Oub Own CobbespondentA WELLINGTON, January 11. The Prime Minister stated this evening that the Government had cabled to Australia to find out all particulars as to the number and circumstances of the stranded New Zealanders there. It is understood that there is a possibility of a local sloping company sending a steamer with a New Zealand crew to take those who wish it back to New Zealand. Until a reply to the Government’s cablegram is received nothing much can. be done except to see that the stranded New Zealanders are not in want. Meantime they are being looked after as far as possible by the Government Agents.