SEAMEN'S STRIKE

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 15, 12 October 1917, Page 7

SEAMEN'S STRIKE

— &- ANOTHER CONFERENCE POSSIBLE.' "I've got no information for the Press," said Mr. J. Adams, acting-secre-tary of the Seamen's Union (Wellington branch) to a' iDomision reporter. It is understood that a good deal of quiet sparring for a conference between union and federation representatives ■is taking pkce. The. Shipowners' federation has received a communication from the Secretary of Labour (Mr. F. W. Rowley), proposing a round-the-tablc conference with the union. ' To that the federation has replied that it was willing to again moot the men on certain conditione. It is.understood that the union's executive met yesterday to consider the federation's' letter, and came to the conclusion that the conditions imposed were too drastic for them to agree- to. It is further underetod that the meeting will be resumed to-day to decide whether the union shall bo represented before the ArVtration Court on Monday (when the application for tho interpretation of certain clauses in the seamen s agreement with the Shipowners" Federation will bo heard), and, if so, to appoint representatives. Tho further matfer of two seamen in a watch will also be taken into consideration by the Court. Though the local strike is hanging out to a wearisome length, it is treating interest in other quarters. Ihe Dunetlin "Star" of Tuesday savs:~"Mr. W. Clarke (secretary of the Diinedin branch of the Seamen's Union) and two other delpsates left for Wellington yesterday morning to attend a conference of union delegates. Tt is eaid that the outside branches are not altocethcr pleased with the handling by the Wellington executive of the mosquito fleet industrial trouble, and that tho conference has been called to discuss the action of the executive. These men were in consultation yesterday with the Wellington executive of the Seamen's Union, and delegates trom the Auckland branch aro also believed to be in Wellington at the present time.