THE SHIPPING STRIKE.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LI, Issue 16871, 28 October 1925, Page 7

THE SHIPPING STRIKE.

NUN-STRIKERS ROUGHLY HANDLED. STRIKERS HOAXED AT BRISBANE. THE MARIA’S MEAT CARGO. - .SYDNEY, October-27. The Seamen’s Union conference discussed the question of the formation of the new organisation cabled yesterday. No definite decision was reached. It is understood that so far as the debate has gone a majority of the speakers are against the proposal. A number of stewards on the steamer Nestor, who refused to join the strike, were inveigled to a dance last night, where they were. attacked by a mob of strikers. One of the lady dancers informed a police patrol, who came to the rescue and escorted the men to the ship. One of the stewards was so knocked about that lie had to he sent to hospital. Three or four others were badlv bruised.

The steamer Port Sydney, which was held «p by the strikers at Brisbane, readied Sydney to-day. FREMANTLE, Oct. 27. For the first time since the strike began a strong police guard, was provided for the arrival of the ship- Enton from New York. The strikers gave her a wide berth, the Enton tying up without incident. The lumpers are discharging her cargo. BRISBANE, October 27. The strikers are incensed over the ruse whereby the steamer Paparoa was enabled to leave Townsville. Several motor cars filled with police were sent to the jetty where the steamer Somerset was lying, attracting the strikers thither. The Paparoa seized (be opportunity to ..swing out en route to London, via Torres Straits. -When the strikers returned,, they realised they had been hoaxed, but it was too late to do anything beyond angrily, demonstrating. The latest report from Gladstone states that the conference between Captain Williams, of Hie Alabin, representatives of the strikers, crew, and chief of police discussed the position. It was stated that the Brisbane strike committee had wired emphatically declining to-permit coal being placed aboard any British steamer. Captain Williams stated that coal was now available. Ample police protection was promised. The farmers are determined not to allow the meat on board the Mahia to perish. One of the strikers declared 1 that if Captain Williams put on free labor lie would have to accept the responsibility of bloodshed. He added that the matter lay in the hands of the Brisbane committee, not the local strike committee. Finally, the*strikors' delegates undertook to give a definite answer by Wednesday, and meantime to withdraw their pickets. Later, two delegates left for Brisbane to place the position before the strike executive.

AX EVASIVE REPLY. COALING OF IDLE SHIPS. (Received October 28,10 a.«i.) SYDNEY, October 28. Questioned in the Assembly whether he would bring pressure to bear on the Lumpers’ Union to coal idle ships, also as the primary producers- were prepared to do the work, would ho see that ample protection was afforded them, Air. Lang replied that tlio matter was receiving attention. Nothing helpful would be gained by asking questions at this juncture., POSITION IN WELLINGTON. PRACTICALLY OFF. (Per Press Association ’ WELLINGTON. Monday. Though no official confirmation as to whether a strike declaration similar to that, made in Auckland was made in Wellington was procurable to-day, the strike to all intents aii<l purposes is practically off here. All ships which wore held up have left port and no defections, have been reported from the crews. A number of strikers who have served terms of imprisonment were released from gaol on Saturday, and others came out to-day. Home boats in port were under police protection on Saturday, but there was no disturbance. Everything is quiet to. day. CLANSMAN GETS AWAY. AUCKLAND, last night. The Clansman, which was unable to sail from Auckland for Russell on Monday evening owing to trouble with the stokehold stuff, secured a new staff and sailed to-night.