NEW ZEALAND STRIKE.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1994, 27 February 1914, Page 7

NEW ZEALAND STRIKE.

, ADMIRALTY'S POLICY. TO AVOID INTERFERENCE IN LABOUR DISPUTES; By Telerraph-Prcsj Association-Copyrfcht

London, February 25. In the Houso of Commons, Mr. Arthur Henderson (Labour) asked whether during the recent strike in New Zea-land-the men of H.M.S. Psycho and Pyraraus wcro paraded with fixed bayoriots, and that guns were trained on th<s, wharyes, while searchlights aided the. strike-breakers.

.Mr. Churchill (First Lord of the Admiralty) replied that tho Psycho ami Pyratous were preeont at one poriod of the dispute.' Ho had no exact information'on tho subject, but any measures adopted would be only at tho express request of the- responsible Government of the Dominion. ' The Admiralty's position was explained in a telegram sent to tho senior officer in New Zealand' on October < 28. Mr. Chu'vcbill added: "Tho Admiralty's policy is to avoid all interference in Labour disputes, cspcoially in the Dominions, and to endeavour to avoid vessels being in a position whero it is likely fhoy will bo called upon. Vessels do not go unless personally satisfied that their presence is necessary to avoid bloodshed. Tho Admiralty finds great difficulty in believing such conditions to exist." \Mri Joynsoh-Hicks (Unionist): "Should.a commander sail away if he thought it likely he would bo' called on to assist?"

Mr.. Churchill: "It has long been tho Admiralty's policy to disentangle tho Navy as far as possible from civil disputes."

Mr. Joyivsori-Hicks: "If a. colony requested, a battleship . and tho officer thought he mightopossibly be askefl to assist, should he sail?"

Mr.' ChurchilL: ' 'These matters call for tact and discretion."