WATERSIDE STRIKE.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1269, 26 October 1911, Page 7

WATERSIDE STRIKE.

MASS MEETING OF THE MEN, DEMANDS PERSISTED IN. By Telegraph—Press Association—CopyrlKlit (Rcc. October 25, 9.50 p.m.) Sydney, October 25. Over throe thousand of tho wharf labourers on strike attended tho mass mooting to consider t'ho position. Telegrams from Mr. llughcs (l'edoral Attorney-Gen-eral), Mr. Justice Higgins, and others recommending tho resumption of work pending negotiations wero read. A motion to the effect that this advic© he followed was defeated by a laTgo majority. A proposal that a ballot by all membea-s be taken to decide tho question mas negatived by an overwhelming majority. The final resolution was to tho effect that no members work for less than the deep sea rates. This was carried. After the meeting tho men employed on tho overseas vessels returned to work. Several towns on tho North Coast which aro dependent on tho steamers running are 6liort of everything not locally proI duced. Tho Melbourne conference was further adjoumod until to-morrow. APPEAL TO THE MEN. HEAVY PENALTIES FOE STRIKING. (Bee. October 26, 0.45 a.m.) Sydney, October 25. Among the requests to tho men to resume work was one from tlio presidont of tho council of the Watersido Workers' Federation, stating that possibly the men were unaware that an agreement had been signed, amd calling upon thorn to honourably carry out its terms. It was added that the agreement entered into in January embodied even more; than was then asked for by tho Sydney men. It was also explained that tho shipowners threatened to prosecute unless tho strike was terminated. In such an event evory member of tho union in Australia would bo callcd upon to pay his share of the heavy penalty provided. Mr. Harrison, secretary of the Sydney Union, telegraphed from Melbourne that no departure can bo made from the wages ' mentioned in tho agreement. PRICES RISING. FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS POSSIBLE. Sydney, October 23. The effect of the wharf labourers' strike is beginning to bo felt already. Prices for the chicf linos of fodder'and producoj are- increasing. Tho coastal companies manage to handle somo produce, but much below the usual volume. Tho clerks assisting in handling cargo have asked tho Wharf Labourers' Union to decide their position. Developme it? are possible. Tho steamers Urilla and Kooyong aro hung up at tho Newcastle Wharf, tho labourers refusing to handlo their cargoes. Tho Premier (Sir. M'Gowen) and tho Minister for Labour (Mt. Carrnichaol) conferred with representatives of tho men and subsequently stated that it had been agreed that no information regarding what had transpired would bo divulged. They expressed themselves hopeful of settlement. In replying to a request that tho Government should step in and end tho strike, Mr. M'Gowon said tho Government was ready and willing to do anything possible to remedy matters. MELBOURNE WORKERS AFFECTED. I Melbourne, October 25. Tho decision of tho shipowners not to accept Sydjiey cargo, consequent on tho stoppage of consignments, is_ affecting a large number of whavf labourers.