MARITIME DISPUTE.

Waikato Times, Volume 99, Issue 16545, 14 July 1925, Page 5

MARITIME DISPUTE.

THE DEADLOCK EXTENDED

ACTION BY SEAMEN'S UNION.

FUTILE CALL FOR CREWS

(United Press Association.) SYDNEY, July 13

The Seamen's Union has extended the deadlock to all llic shipping companies winch trade in Australia, and all ships will be automatically tied up as they reach port. When the Howard Smith steamer Cooma arrived the men gave notice, and the ship was lied up indefinitely. Calls were made for men In replace the crew but they proved futile.

The crews of two North Coast companies also gave notice, and efforts to replace them were also unavailing. Until a settlement has been reached no crows will lie forthcoming for any but the Commonwealth Line steamers. A strong section of the Seamen's Union favours making the fight a general one, and including this line. The Burns. Philp Company has also been declared "black," although it had agreed to the men's terms. This decision was reached because a section of the executive of the. Seamen's Union believes the company to be bound up financially with the inter-Slate companies.

The transport group of unions met to-day. and adjourned until Tuesday, when the result of the conference between the various owners at Melbourne may he known. This conference was al tended by Ihe owners from the other States outside the association. Its object is io ensure thai the terms of a settlement of the dispute shall be acceptable to all the shipowners. Beyond issuing a statement to the effect that more sbips are to bo laid up to safeguard the owners' interests no announcement was made. The conference is still sitting.

LATER

NOTICES HANDED IN

(United Press Association.) Received 0.55 a.m. BRISBANE. Jly 14. The members of the crews of several vessels have given notice that they will leave their ships to-day. The number of unemployed seamen will be about 150.

WHAT DECISION MEANS

8,000 SEAMEN AFFECTED

MELBOURNE, July 14

The shipowners' conference decided to adjourn indefinitely owing to the fact that vessels are still being held up by the' Seamen's Union. It was pointed out afterwards on behalf of the owners that this, conduct is standing in the way of successful negotiations. Before the owners will discuss a basis for settlement the seamen will have to withdraw their ultimatum to tie up the ships, and further will have Io man ships which arc at present idle.

Tin.' Victorian branch of the Seamen's Union at a well-attended meeting decided to maintain the attitude il had previously taken up. Unless something unforeseen happens,- the decision to leave the ships will take effect to-day.

Union officials explained later that four hundred men would cease work in .Melbourne to-day, and in a week, four thousand woiild.be idle in AusIralia. Ultimately eight thousand seamen would be affected.