THE SHIPPING DISPUTE

Waikato Times, Volume 118, Issue 19763, 19 December 1935, Page 9

THE SHIPPING DISPUTE

WARNING TO MEN. GOVERNMENT'S DETERMINATION. WILL UPHOLD THE LAW. United Press Assn. —Elec. Tel. Copyright. SYDNEY, Dec. 18. Replying to-day to a deputation representing the seamen’s central strike committee, the Federal Attorney-Gen-eral, 'Mr R. G. Menzies, said the Federal Government's policy would not be altered, and the licensing of seamen would not be withdrawn. The Government would continue to use this lawful weapon to deal with a thoroughly unlawful position. If the seamen persisted in their present unwise course they would have to thank their leaders for what would be a long period of unemployment. “We have set up the Arbitration Court to deal with the merits of the dispute, and the Government's first duty is to uphold the law," said Mr Menzies. “ The Government will not tolerate the idea that resort can be made to the Arbitration Court for what suits you, and that the industry of the Commonwealth can be 'thrown into chaos if an award does not suit you. “ This strike can be profitable only to those who seek notoriety and desire to further their own non-Australian views through it.” SHORTAGE OF BUPPLIES. CREW FOR NEW GUINEA. MANY MEN APPLY FOR WORK. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright. SYDNEY, December 18.' Owing to the shortage of fresh food and other essential supplies, the situation in New Guinea and Papua due to the shipping strike is extremely parlous. Burns, Phiip and Company, Limited, to-day, announced that the steamer Macdhui will he despatched to-morrow for the islands with a licensed volunteer crew. An unusual number of qualified seamen have applied for work at the shipping offices. They asked that the employers give an assurance of continuity of employment if they took out licenses.