3000 Strikers Hotly Attack Volunteers.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18581, 2 October 1928, Page 5

3000 Strikers Hotly Attack Volunteers.

SEAMEN DECIDE NOT TO WORK “ BLACK ” SHIPS. (United Press Assn.— By F.lectric Telegraph.—C opyright.) MELBOURNE, October 1. While volunteers were leaving the Customs House after registering for work on the waterfront under the Transport Workers Act, a crowd of between 3000 and 4000 strikers attacked them with bale hooks, shovels and fists. The volunteers were chased and severely beaten before they were allowed to go. Police were present in strong force, and rescued a number of volunteers after vigorously using batons on the rioters. The police, after charging the crowd, drove them back, and the strikers’ attention was then directed to several groups of Italians, who were also applying for registration. Strong reinforcements of police prevented further disturbances. A number of volunteers were treated in the hospitals. So far 400 licenses under the Act have been issued, but none of the strikers have applied, and the shipowners are making arrangements to have inter-State vessels worked by volunteers as soon as possible. A meeting of seamen decided not to man any vessels handled by volunteer labour. The Maritime Unions’ conference is discussing a proposal that, in view of the breakaways in other ports, the watersiders should be asked to registei tinder the Transport Act and fight the issue of registration on the job. A further proposal is that the whole of the transport unions, including railwaymen. carters, drivers, seamen, storemen, packers, electricians. enginedrivers and firemen, should l>e involved. The militants support the policy of declaring “ black ” all goods handled by non-unionists.—Australian Press Association. ADELAIDE MEN DECIDE TO RESUME WORK. ADELAIDE. October 1. The Port Adelaide branch of the Watersiders’ Federation decided by a large majority to call off the strike and register for work at to-morrow mornings pick-up. Later in the day the men applied freely for licenses.—Australian Press Association.