BOTH SIDES BLAMED.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1453, 30 May 1912, Page 5

BOTH SIDES BLAMED.

TRANSPORT STRIKEAWARD MAINLY IN FAVOUR OF THE MEN. 'broken AGREEMENTSBy Telegraph-Press Association-Copyright, (Hoc. May »>), 11.30 p.m.) ' London, May 2D. Sir Edward Clarke's award in tho waterside workers' dispute is against tho men in connection with the first and second of seven specific causes of dispute, and upholds Mr. Gosling (president of tho Transport Workers' Federation) in tho remainder, lie finds that tho effects of the agreement of August 19 last have been misapprehended. The Government considers that agreements entered into should be strictly followed, and, inasmuch as the misapprehension regarding tho interpretation has been cleared up, Sir Edward Clarke thinks work should be resumed.

Both sides have been invited to confer With tho Board of Trade on Friday next. Sir Edward Clarke found that tho grievance in the case of tho watchman Thomas, who was a member of tho foremen's union, but who, tho men contended, should join the Lightermen's Union, was based on a misapprehension. This was n very exceptional case and should, under Clause 5 of the August agreement, havo been discussed by representatives of tho masters and tho men, and in tho ovent of a disagreement have been trated by tho Board of Trade. Tho same rulo applied to the alleged breach of the August agreement between the Shortsca Traders End the National Transport Federation. Tho master lightermen's peremptory refusal to discuss the demand, of the Amalgamated Watermen's and Lightermen's Union for an increase was one of the important causes of the present dispute. Moreover, tho sailing-barge owners had failed to explain their refusal to pay the rates agreed to on January 1. Similarly tlie wharfingers were blamed for not accepting the case governing all oversea ships laid down in the Lord Chief Justice's ruling on November 27 for enforcing under given conditions Sir A. K. Point's award for tho higher rate of August 5. Sir Edward Clarke adds that the refusal of Mr. Bissell, master carman, to pay the rates agreed upon had created much difficulty in view of tho statuble obligations of tho Port of London Authority, but beyond asking tho Port Authority to declino to load Mr. Bissell's vans, the Federation had been quiescent until the other disputes arose,

Finally, concerning the vexatious interference with trades unionists, Sir Edward Clarko mentioned the noncompliance of the Workers' Federation with the rulo concerning a conference and an appeal to the Board of Trade. The question of bringing outside firms wiithin the operation of the agreement raised on behalf of the employers' association and the trades unions was for the Legislature alone, and beyond the scope of his instructions. PRESS COMMENT* UNANIMOUS APPROVAL OF AWARD. LITTLE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN MEN AND MASTERS. CRec. May 30, 0.15 a.m.) London, May 29. The newspapers nre unanimous in congratulating Sir Edward Clarke on his promptitude and thoroughness. "The Times" says the general effect of the report is that both sides hove made a rather audacious attempt to disregard solemn agreements and arbitrators' decisions. There does not seem much to choose between tho masters and the men, though to some extent the masters had taken tho priority in disregarding the agreements on tho large question of interests of community. The report does not disclose any grievance justifying the trades union leaders' action in not exercising the right to appeal to the Board of Trade. Mr. Gosling had been good enough to say that ho would allow the public to have essential food, but even that had been unobtainable except by a display of force. It was not for Mr. Gosling to dictate to tho community what food it should have.

The "Daily Chronicle" (Liberal) says two things emerge very clearly from the report: that the strike ought not to have been declared, and that tho men have certain real grievances calling loudly for redress. Tho "Daily Mail" (Unionist) and the "Daily News" (Liberal) support Mr. Buxton's invitation for a conference. Tho "Morning Post" (Conservative) says the strikers' offer to co-operate with tho Government in securing the essential food supply is doubtless the result of the Government's firmness, and tho public opinion backing its action, Tho "Daily Telegraph" (Unionist) enys that with tho publication of tho report it must be assumed that tho strike has entered its last phase. MEN WILLING TO CONFER. ARRESTS IN CANNING TOWN. (Rec. May 80, 1.5 a.m.) London, May 29. The police have convoyed further largo quantities of meat and grain from tho docks, amidst the strikers' half-hearted opposition. A dozen arrests have been made in Canning Town for bottle-throwing, and attempts to overturn a van nnd cut traces. The Port of Loudon Authority has issued a statement that it cannot discriminate between union and non-union carmen and lightermen. If the situation is prolonged beyond Friday, it must temporarily discharge a portion of its staff. The Strikers' Committee has accepted tho invitation of Mr. Buxton, President of the Board of Trade, to a conference reserving tho right to withdraw unless it meets thoroughly representative employers, including tho Port Authority. Tho Carmen's Trade Union has endorsed tho transport workes' decision to attend the conference, and will send representatives. It exhorts tho men to stand firm. MEAT SUPPLIES COMING IN. STRIKERS OFFER FACILITIES. London, May 28. The Home Secretary, Mr. Reginald M'Kenna, hat summoned the Strike Coinmvtlee to a conference at the floiue Office to-day. The police are patrolling the docks. Business at the SmillihVM markets is almost norma!. There in no ditlii-ully in regard to distribution in the metropolis owing to the police convoying the meat. The ■strike leaders are atteiiipliiiig (o slop" the refrigerating machinery on steamers and in the cold stores. Mr. Hen Tillett, secretary of the Dockers' Union, in a manifesto, urgct- She carmen to strike. He protests against the authorities using police and soldiers M "scabs" and "scab-protectors" a* a mifry*> of public luoiK}', Jtr. M'Keant hu intimated to tin.

i '■' ijif T'f-V ~'• ' ■ '•T'W V, strikers tha{ some food must be allowed, to be brought to London immediately, Mr. Tillett aud Mr. Gosling (President of tho Transport Workers' Federation) liave asked Mr. M'Kenna to let them know what is wanted, and tliey will cooperate with the Home Office. Practically nil tugs and barges on the Thames era idle. The strike leaders permitted pleasure steamers to run during tho holidays. London's supply of petrol, amounting to 3(10 tons daily, which was conveyed in barges from Thames Haven to stores up tho river, is endangered. The running of taxi-cabs has already been reduced. TROOPS NOT USED. STATEMENT BY HOME SECRETARY. (Rec. May 30, 1.5 a.m.) London, May 29. Mr. M'Kenna, in an official statement, declares that the proposed interview at tho Homo Office is at the strikers' instance.. Ho denies tho employment of soldiers and says tho reported preparations for tho movement of troops are baseless. The Government will insist on the maintenance of order, and will, if necessary, use all tho resources at its disposal to ensure to the people a continued food supply. POSITION OF FRUIT CARGOES. IMPORTERS' REQUESTS. (Rec. May 29, 10.10 p.m.) London, May 29. Mr. M'Kenna, Home Secretary, received a private deputation of fruit importers, who asked what protection ho would give if they provided men for discharging cargoes. Mr. M'Kenna said the Government would provide plenty of police protection, hat no free labour. Ho pointed out that a meat importer who had been offering a pound a day had only secured two hundred workers. Tho Government could not give military protection nor allow the military to unload vessels.

Mr. M'Kenna asked ono member of 'he deputation, Mr. F. W. Moore, why the steamers Argyllshire, Oslcriey, and other vessels could not be transferred to another port.

Mr. Moore explained that fho owners had declined to do this, fearing that the strike would spread. Ho added that if tho strike continued for a fortnight or three weeks, tho soft fruit which was arriving would spoil. Mr. M'Kenna gave a sympathetic reply. Ho said ho hoped an Agreement would be arrived at shortly.