THE STEWARDS’ STRIKE

Otago Witness, Issue 3488, 18 January 1921, Page 16

THE STEWARDS’ STRIKE

OWNERS’ FIRM STAND. 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 msnt intervention by stop-work meetin fe s and the threat of a general strike, failing which coal supplies will be cut off. The owners are still determined not to negotiate until the strikers return to .work. MELBOURNE, January 10. The city is without train or tram service. The junior tram employees have been put off for one week in three. The seniors are working quarter time. SYDNEY, January 13. The shipowners have given their officers a month’s notice. MELBOURNE, January 15. A deputation from the Trades Hall and the Transport Workers’ Union asked Mr Hughes to convene a conference of the owners and stewards to negotiate for a resumption of work. Mr Hughes declined tt> intervene, point fng out that the men left their ships and flouted the provisions of the Industrial Peace Act. The men should return to Work under the conditions of the award. MAKUEA TO GO OUT OF COMMISSION. SY’DNEY, January 12. The stewards on the Makura have given 24 hours’ notice. When it expires the company states that the vessel will be put ©ut of commission. the STRANDED NEW ZEALANDERS. SYDNEY, January 11. Upwards of 1000 people desirous of reaching New Zealand are held ©p at Sydney. Of these about 300 are New Zealanders who are here on business or pleasure, also many immigrants. Over 800 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 requested 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 has been found for all except 100 New Zealand immigrants. January 13. There are no signs of a settlement of the shipping strike, both sides refusing to negotiate except on their own terms. Most of the companies arc giving the staffs their annual holidays. Five hupdred stranded New Zealanders held a meeting at the Town Hall, at which Mr Blow stated that he had cabled to the New Zealand Government asking that a steamer be sent to transport the stranded people. He had received a reply asking him to try and persuade the Union Company to carry as many as possible on the Manuka and Moeraki,- but no mention was made of a Government steamer. He presumed that one would not be sent, and added*., that the Government would continue to provide for the immigrants brought out -under the over seas settlement scheme, but help for other necessitous cases would only he given very sparingly. Three hundred New Zealanders departed on board the Manuka, leaving about 700 held up. Indignation is expressed at the Union Company granting passages to Americans on the Tofua in preference to New Zea landers. Three hundred and fifty of the latter expect to sail on the Moeraki on January 20. STATEMENT BY AIR MASSEY. (Feom Oub Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, January 11. - The Prime Minister stated this evening ■ j that the Government had cabled to Aus- • tralia 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 shipping 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.