SHIPPING CRISIS IN AUSTRALIA

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 202, 21 May 1919, Page 7

SHIPPING CRISIS IN AUSTRALIA

« DEADLOCK IN MELBOURNE SERIOUS COAL SHORTAGE By Toleeraoh—Press Association-Convrieht Melbourne, May 20. Practically the whole of the shipping in Melbourne is now idle. Tho most serious development threatening is a. strike of wharf labourers. A conference between the whim' labourers ami the seamen is discussing a proposal for si temporary alliance of the tiro bodies to further their. respective claims. It is understood .that the Seamen's Union is not financially strong, and the South Australian meumers are determined not to be made to pay for a mistake they have condemned from the outset. A .South Australian representative is present in Melbourne, taking action to protect the 'funds of nis branch from any levy which \nay be attempted. It is staled that an application for an injunction by the High Court is contemplated. The coal situation in Victoria is serious, and if supplies are stopped as.the result of the seamen's strike it will be necessary to close all the factories using coal as* fuel, or electricity. The (foal Board has already refused all applications for, supplies, and has prohibited the sale of coal for household purposes.

THREATENED' DISTURBANCES AVERTED. (Roc. May 20. 9.20 p.m.) •■■.■'. Melbourne,- May. 201 There have been no further developments in the shipping dispute. Slight disturbances occurred between unionists anil non-unionists, but the police intervened mid prevenled further troublePress Assn. STOP-WORK MEETING IN SYDNEY. Sydney, May 20. The seamen called a stop-work meeting to-day to discuss their attitude regarding the strike. SYDNEY MEETING DECIDES FOR STRIKE. 1 (Reel May 21, 0.10 a.m.) Sydney, May 20. A mass meeting of seamen has decided to give twenty-four hours' notice .of their ..home ports of their, intention to strike—Press Assn. ARBITRATION FAVOURED IN . SOUTH AUSTRALIA. • Adelaido, May 20. The Seamen's Union has passed a resolution deprecating the action of the Executive Council in calling a strike, Mid expressing the opinion that all disputes should bo referred fo arbitration. (Rec. May 20. 9.20 p.m.) -Adelaide, May 20. The seamen's meeting reaffirmed its decision'not to strike, but to refer the dispute to arbitration—Press Assn.

.MINING DISPUTE AT BROKEN HILL. Sydney, May 20. The Broken Hill mining dispute is more seriutis. The unionists are now. threatening that unless all the men cease work immediately Hie mints will be" picketed. —Press Assn. (llec. May 21, 0.30 a.m.) Sydney, Hay 20. At a meeting of the Amalgamated Metalliferous Affiliation at Broken Hill, it was decided to. call out all members until the demands were conceded, these including twenty shillings per day for a five-day week and a six-hour day. Tlio executive has declared its readiness lo stand a long strike.—Press Assn.