JUDGE AT WHARF

Press, Volume C, Issue 29506, 6 May 1961, Page 11

JUDGE AT WHARF

Demonstration Bv Seamen

(N.Z. Press Assn.— Copi/ripht) MELBOURNE, May 5. About 60 seamen demonstrated against Mr Justice Foster, of the Arbitration Commission, as he arrived at north wharf, Melbourne, today. One man, dressed in the gown and wig of a "judge.” rushed up to Mr Justice Foster, and shouted abuse at him The Judge tried to speak back, but his voice was drowned by shouts and catcalls. Mr Justice Foster was about to walk up the gangway of the inter-State cargo shin Culcaim when the men suddenly appeared from behind a shed. The men carried about 20 placards. Mr Justice Foster said this afternoon the demonstration had all the marks of being “Communist-oreanised and influenced.” It had been "criminally offensive.” "This is the second time I have been assaulted—and I regard this is an assault—when I have boarded a ship at the request of the Seamen’s Union.” the Judge said “And on both occasions it has been obviously very well organised ” Mr Justice Foster went to the Culcaim because of a dispute over the quality of food given to the crew. But most of the demonstrators seemed to be concerned with the Seamen’s Award. Their placards carried messages like “Down With Foster.” "The Arbitration Commission Stinks.” and “Give Us Back Our Award.” The Victorian secret»-v of the Seamen's Union. Mr B. Nolan, said the union had not organised the demonstration. The crew of the Culcaim were not involved. Mr Nolan said seamen were unset because of a revised award which was hand«d down earty last year by Mr Justice Foster.