SHIPPING STRIKE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22751, 11 December 1935, Page 9

SHIPPING STRIKE

SEAMEN REAFFIRM DECISION VOLUNTEERS OFFER FREELY (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) SYDNEY, December 10. (Received Dec. 10, at 8.30 p.m.) Without a dissentient voice the Sydney seamen to-day reaffirmed their previous strike decision not to work under the new award, and further passed a resolution that no member of the union should apply for a licence under the Transport Workers' Act. Regulations to license seamen were approved by the Federal Cabinet at Canberra to-day. To-day's meeting, attended by 1500 seamen, instructed Mr C. Herbert, branch secretary, to take immediate steps through the High Court to obtain an injunction restraining the Federal Arbitration Court from putting into operation the new award. The Sydney seamen's decision to-day is binding on all other branches, resulting in the enforced idleness of marine stewards, waterside workers, cooks and thousands engaged in subsidiary industries. It is certain, also, that many northern coal mines will be unable to comply with interstate contracts. The marine stewards decided not to become involved in the'strike. Shipping companies report that volunteers are offering freely, personally and by letter. REGULATIONS GAZETTED CANBERRA, December 10. (Received Dec. 10, at Regulations bringing the seamen under the provisions of the Transport Workers' Act were gazetted to-day. The Prime Minister (Mr J. A. Lyons) said the Act would apply to Melbourne and Sydney ports at present and would be extended to other ports if necessary. MINERS SUPPORT SEAMEN NEWCASTLE, December 10. (Received Dec. 10, at 10.15 p.m.) Mr T. Hoare, president of the Northern Miners' Federation, announced that a telegram had been sent to the Sydney seamen's meeting to-day assuring them of the miners' support and refusal to produce coal for ships manned by volunteer labour. The northern miners also pledged themselves to do everything humanly possible to resist the application of the Federal Crimes Act to the seamen, and if necessary "Would involve Australia in something bigger than had previously taken place." Mr Hoare informed interviewers that the coal miners to a man were behind the seamen, and if necessary would extend the strike to every industry using coal. This, of course, would cause general chaos, but he was hopeful it would open a new era for those producing the world's wealth. Meanwhile, the coal miners looked upon the seamen as the occupiers of the front trenches and deserving of solid support from their fellow unionists. SHIPOWNERS CONFER MELBOURNE, December 10. (Received Dec. 10, at 10.30 p.m.) As soon as the seamen's decision was made known to-day the Australasian Steamship Owners' Federation held a hurried meeting and completed plans for manning the idle vessels by volunteers, who are already offering in substantial numbers, while more than 200 seamen gathered outside the marine office, anticipating the issue of licences. FIVE HUNDRED VOLUNTEERS SYDNEY, December 10. (Received Dec. 11, at 1 a.m.) The shipping companies report an excellent response to their advertisements for volunteers. Approximately 500 offered in Sydney and Melbourne to-day, including a number of ex-naval men anxious to return to sea. Hopes are entertained that four large freighters will be despatched from Sydney by the week-end. TASMANIAN SERVICES MELBOURNE, December 10. (Received Dec. 11, at 1.15 a.m.) Arrangements have been made for the resumption of the Tasmanian passenger and mail services. A crew has been secured for the Taroona, which will sail for Launceston to-morrow. It is hoped to maintain three trips a week, and the accommodation has been fully booked.