PREFERENCE TO SOLDIERS.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16428, 23 January 1919, Page 7

PREFERENCE TO SOLDIERS.

THE GROWING VOICE IN NEW

SOUTH WALES

(FBOM OTttt OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

SYDNEY, January 14

Tho Government of Now South Wales has just taken a decision that is certain to havo a marked effect throughout all industries, and will bring to an issue certain matters in dispute between the eligibles who served their country and those who did not. Cabinet haa decided that returned soldiors shall have preference in employment.

Tho matter was brought up by a now union of wharf workers, all of whom are returned soldiers or sailors. There aro really threo unions of men working on the Sydney wharves —the old, or "true blue" union, the loyalists (the men who defied the Trades Hall and broko the big strike by working the wharves), and the returned soldiers. The loyalists were promised preference when they undertook strike-breaking, and tho returned soldiers have not sought to unset that arrangement. But they did demand preference over the big "true blue" union, with which tliey do not appear to be very friendly. The other day, some hundreds of them marched in procession through the streets to the Government Building, and in an interview with some of the Ministers insisted .that they, at least, were _ entitled to rank equally with the loyalists in having preference. Tho Cabinet hesitated some time over it, but finally announced that loyalists and soldiers should have first call on all wharf work. Tho Government also promised to amend the Industrial' Acts by introducing a provision that preference of employment shall, wherever practicable, he given to those who served their country in its hour of need. The definite establishment of this principle was not unexpected, but the manner of its reception by tho militant 'Trades Hall is being awaited with interest. The organisations which opposed the continuance of the war, discouraged recruiting, and are now toying •with Bolshevism, aro not likely to accept the policy of preference to soldiers without a kick. The soldiers themselves know quitei definitely what they want, and they are not afraid to ask for it. A big deputation of them who interviewed tho Acting-Prime Minister the other day, demanded that, whenever it was necessary to find a place for 3 returned soldier, tho eligible who had refused to serve be put out —particularly in the case of the-Public Service —and a soldier put in his place. Mr Watt made a diplomatic, non-committal reply, but he cannot ignore the growing voice of the returning men. They nr#» going to exert a tremendous influence in this country's affairs, and — ris already shown in the case of the NewSouth Wales Cabinet —they have got to be deferred to. The General effect will probably be a sharp distinction and hostility between returned soldiers and eligibles who did not serve, who are mostly classed as extreme Labour. —————