MILITANT UNIONS DEFY FEDERAL PREMIER

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18587, 12 October 1928, Page 1

MILITANT UNIONS DEFY FEDERAL PREMIER

Bruce Calls On Seamen To Ensure That Inter-State Ships Shall Be Manned.

LABOUR COUNCIL IGNORES WARNING, AND URGES IMMEDIATE EXTENSION OF STRIKE.

(United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Received October 12, 11.30 a.m.)

SYDNEY, October 12. THE Prime Minister, -who is closely watching strike developments, has sent a warning telegram to the Seamen’s Union headquarters, Sydney, declaring that the waterfront dispute is causing grave suffering and loss throughout the Commonwealth, and the Government cannot allow a continuance of these conditions. The Government therefore calls upon the Union to take action to ensure that inter-State steamers shall be manned. The warning concluded: “As this matter is one of great urgency, an early reply to this telegram is desired.” The telegram -was before the Labour Council and, after hearing Mr Jock Garden’s report of the Melbourne Union Conference, it was resolved that “ this conference calls upon the Central Strike Committee to bring into force immediately the decision of that conference,” which, in effect, means that the Trades Unions Council should extend the dispute to other ports.—Australian Press Association.