SHIPPING HOLD-UP.

Otago Witness, Issue 3593, 23 January 1923, Page 51

SHIPPING HOLD-UP.

AN ILLEGAL STRIKE. CHRISTCHURCH, January 16. In the Magistrate's Court, before Mr W yvern Wilson, 22 members of the crew of the Waliine were each fined £2 for taking part in an illegal strike, security for appeal being fixed at £lB. Two firemen in the Wanaka were each' lined £4 for a similar offence, while informations against five members of the crew ol the Canopus were dismissed. lAI PORT ANT DEVELOPMENTS. WELLINGTON, January 18. Important developments in connection with the shipping dispute are pending, and there is every, indication that work on the vessels will he resumed by the union next Tuesday. It is understood that, no advice has been received by the union in regard to the suspension of section 76 of the Shipping and Seamen’s Act,, and difficulty may be occasioned if the suspension is continued. A recent deputation from the Federated Seamen’s L T nion and the Alliance of Labour tirged that the suspension should be removed. Alessrs W. R. Aiken and W. A. Kennedy, representatives of the Ship Owners’ Federa-• tion, wailed on Air Massey to-day in regard to the dispute. Air B. L. Hammond, act-ing-secretary of the federation, made the following statement:—The Prime Minister informed the representatives of the ShinOwners’ Federation that tlie executive of the Seamen's Union intimated to him the wilingness of its members to resume work on Tuesday next. To prevent the suggestion that tlie ship-owners ate delaying a settlement and to avoid misunderstanding in the event of the men offering themselves for re-engagement, the federation communicated with the Seamen’s Union asking if tne members are prepared to work under the conditions of the Arbitration Court award and witli the men who are now einploved on the shipe. The union men were informed that, as soon as assurance is given that the men will observe the award and work with men on the ships, the ship-owners will engage union labour. Mr W. T. Young, secretary of the Seamen's Union, declined to make a statement. It is interesting to note that the strike commenced in Auckland cn November 1, and by November 10 all the crews had given notice. POSITION STILL OBSCURE. WELLINGTON, January 21. The position in respect to the shipping trouble is not yet quite clear, although it is believed that there will be an early resumption of work. Air W. T. Young, the general secretary of the Seamen’s Union, stated that the business transacted at this week’s meetings of tlie union involved prolonged discussions on Alonday. Friday, and Saturday mornings. The meeting on Monday closed with three cheers for him, and on Saturday a unanimous vote of confidence was accorded him. Mr W. A. Kennedy, the local manager of the Union Company, interviewed, 6ai<| that the men will be taken on when the union gives an assurance that they will work under the terms of the award with the men now manning the ships. THE STRIKE OVER. Ix 4 TEST. Air W. T. Young. Secretary of the Seamens’ Union, officially announces that tho seamens’ dispute is over, and the men ara resuming work at 8 o'clock on Tuesday morning, 23rd inst.