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Southland Times, Issue 22783, 8 January 1936, Page 5

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UNION COLLIER MEN CLAUSE CANCELLED BY COMMISSION SEAMEN CONDEMNED (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 8.35 p.m.) Sydney, January 7. The State Industrial Commission today found that the State branch of the Seamen’s Union had deliberately decided to support the men of the union in their action by laying the colliers idle and ordered the immediate cancellation of the clause in the State award for colliers giving preference to members of the union. At the request of certain associations of shipowners a summons calling on the union to show cause why it should not be de-registered was deferred, but the commission stated that it must not be thought that in doing so the commission regarded the Seamen’s Union’s action otherwise than of a most serious character. VOLUNTEERS ATTACKED MEMBERS OF KOOYONG’S CREW. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) Newcastle, January 7. Attacks were made on two members of the crew of the steamer Kooyong which left Newcastle on December 21 with a volunteer crew. Robert McGill, aged 34, the cook, was attacked by a number of men and punched and kicked, being sent to hospital. Another member of the crew was in a taxi which was stoned by a mob. The windows were smashed and a passenger was injured. PLAIN SPEAKING CONFERENCE HELD. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 12.50 a.m.) Sydney, January 7. Plain speaking is reported to have characterized to-day’s conference between representatives of the all-Aus-tralian Council of Trade Unions and the Miners’ Federation. Mr G. Mullins, M.L.C., leader of the wharf labourers, is understood to have indicated that his union is powerless to assist in any way, remarking that there were 1500 men on the waterfront waiting to take jobs which would be available if there was a strike. Licensing already operated on the waterfront in every other Australian port. In reply to a question whether the railway men would be prepared to refuse to carry coal supplied by volunteers, it is reported that the railwaymen’s representative, Mr C. Nelson, stated that his union declined to resort to direct action.