AUSTRALIAN WATERFRONT

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9979, 9 July 1925, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN WATERFRONT

THE SHIPPING DISPUTE

A BRIGHTER OUTLOOK

Electric Telegraph—Press Association SYDNEY, July 8.

The Marine transport group carried two important resolutions, as a. result of which the shipping deadlock took a, less serious aspect. The first resolution decided that the Commonwealth steamers Dilga and Eromaiiga, which bad been “black” for some time, be declared white. This followed a conference between the Federal Premier and Mr Lang. At a later meeting, the group decided to declare the North Coast Company’s steamer “white.” This steamer, previously declared “black,” was the cause of the men refusing to work her at Mort’s dock. It is probable the dock will be open again in the course of a few days. "With these matters settled, the dispute locally resolves Itself into a battle between the Seamen’s Federation and the inter-State companies. The Seamen’s Union lias notified the owners of inter-State vessels that it requires a reply by July 14th whether tlie dispute clause will be inserted in the articles by that date, tlie men holding a stop-worK meeting to consider the replies. By that time, other ships, however, will be involved, as it is the present intention of the Union that home port men give notice on all inter-State vessels arriving at their ports after July lOtli. This will have the effect of tying up each steamer in turn, as no response will be made to call for men to take their places. ’The decision to lift the ban on the Hunter was reached after a long and stormy meeting, Messrs AA’alsh and Joliannson strenuously resisting the proposal, but eventually they and their minority were routed. It is reported that Mr Lang is interviewing the directors of Mort’s dock on Thursday and' it is believed work will be resumed there either on Thursday or Friday.