FEDERAL PREMIER'S REPLY.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1914, 24 November 1913, Page 6

FEDERAL PREMIER'S REPLY.

, TO LABOUR FEDERATION. HE WJU, NOT INTERFERE. By Telsffrapi—Press Association—Oocyriiht Melbourne, November 22. Mr. Cook, the Prime Minister, in reply to tho secretary of tho Labour Fedoration's letter urging Federal action in connection with tho Now Zealand strike, says: "I note what you say as to the conduct of employers and employees with respoot to arbitration, hut it does not appear to mo that I am -called u : pon to come to any conclusion or to, express any opinion on such matters at present; nor that I am called upon to admit or dispute your claim that the action of your Federation reflects the opinion of the majority of the citizens of Australia. I do, however, sincerely liopo that your expressed desire 'for the industrial peace of Australia rosy be fulfilled, and I may be permitted also to express a. hope that your Federation will give its best aid towards maintaining such peace in Australia, and, if possible, preventing the industrial troubles in another country spreading to this. As to tho particular object of your resolution, I do not yet gather whether you suggest that tho Government should place an embargo on all ships coming from New Zealand, or only such as have bi.en loaded b.y some particular person or bodies of persons. Eveii if tho Government possessed svieh patter, tho Government could mot entertain the proposition that they should throw the- weight' of their authority upon o&e side or the other, a result which would throw into ennfusioii tho whole of the oomffiereral intofc-ourse between this country and the Dominion."

SYDNEY SAILINGS. MANUKA DELAYED. Sydney, November 22. The Manuka's departure lias been delayed owing to the crc'w leaving tho vessel. ' Tho wharf labourers loading the Union Company's steamer Paloona, for Hobart, ceased work after lunch. No reason was given, but it is believed that the fact of the office staffs being utilised in unloading the Manuka's and Willochra's cargoes was a determining factor. It is reported that the Paloona's seamen havo given twenty-four hours' notice. Tho officials of the Seamen'A Union arc reticent regarding 'the Willochra's crow. Members of the crew state that tliov do not intend to re-engago in unloading. (Rcc. November 23, tf,2o a.m.) Sydney, November 22.

It is doubtful when tho Manuka will sail. The crew, at tho expiry of their notice, 'eft tho vessel on Saturday. The timo of sailing was altered from noon till 4 p.m., and later it was announced that she would not sail yesterday. In tho meantime a largo number of passengers had boarded the vessel, when it was decided not to dispatch iiotj and they were allowed to take off what luggage they required during their stay in Sydnoy, tho heavy luggage remaining on board. The officials of the Seamon's Union havo notified that they will not supply crews, for Now Zealand steamers. Tho Willochra remains tied up to the wharf, and ail work is practically at a standTho statement has been made that tho action of tho seamen on tho Willochra, leaving tho vessel Was tho result of three frco labourers from Nowcastlo being put on to assist the clerical, staff in discharging tho cargo. Those engaged in tho discharging operations were supplied with, meals on board the steamer, hut- tho stewards, who were unionists, took exception .to this, and yesterday refused to supply further The Paloona got away for Hobart late last night. On- tho arrival of tho Makura to-day, her passengers, luggago, and mails only will bo handled. Tho Mnheiio returned from Newcastle to-day, and, after coaling, was moored in the stroar.;.