READY TO WORK.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 January 1923, Page 4

READY TO WORK.

SEAMEN OFFER SERVICES WILL RESUME NEXT WEEK. OWNERS MAKE CONDITIONS. AWARD MUST BE ACCEPTED By Telegraph.—Pres* Association. Wellington, Last Night. There are important developments in connection with the shipping dispute and there is every indication that work on vessels will be resumed by the union next Tuesday. It is understood no advice has been leceived by the unioni in regard to the suspension of section 57 of the Shipping and Seamen’s Act and difficulty may be occasioned if suspensions are continued. A recent deputation from the Federated Seamen’s Union and the Alliance of Labor urged that the suspension should be removed. To-day Mr. W. R. Aiken and Mr. W. A. Kennedy, representatives of the Shipowners’ Federation, waited upon Mr. Massey in regard to th? dispute, and Mr. B. L. Hammond, acting-secre-tary of the Federation, made tne following statement: “The Prime Minister informed the representatives of the Shipowners’ Federation that the executive of the Seamen's Union had intimated to him the willingness of members to resume work on Tuesday next. To prevent a suggestion that the shipowners are delaying a settlement, and to avoid misunderstanding in the event of the men offering themselves for reengagement, the Federation communicated with the Seamen’s Union asking if the members are prepared to work, under the conditions of the Arbitration Court award and with the men now employed on ships. The union has been informed that as «oon as an assurance is given that the men will observe the award and work with the men on the ships, the shipowners will engage union labor.” ’Mr. W. T. Young, secretary of the Seamen’s Union, declined to make a statement. It is interesting to note that the strike commenced at Auckland on November 1 and on November 10 all the crews gave notice.