SHIPPING CRISIS IN AUSTRALIA

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 203, 22 May 1919, Page 5

SHIPPING CRISIS IN AUSTRALIA

SERIOUS EFFECT ALREADY NOTICED

DEEP SEA TRAFFIC NOT AFFECTED By Tcleerapff—Press Association—Coryrieht Sydney, May 21. It is estimated that (he immediate effect of the seamen's decision will be to throw six thousand men out of employment and paralyse coastal and interstate trad?. The cessation of interstate shipping . will render idle ten thousand minere. As the seamen in tlireo States have decided to strike, the union officials expect the trouble to spread to other States. It is understood that the seamen's decision will not affect deep-sea- shipping. The demands include a six-hour working day, increased wages, compensation for injuries received in the course of employment, compensation for the relatives of sailors dying of such injuries, and improved accommodation. Tho dislocation of shipping is already affecting tho markets. Tasmanian 'potatoes have advanced 20s. per toil. FEDERAL CABINET CONSIDERS THE QUESTION. Melbourne, May 21. Tho Federal Cabinet will meet to-day to decide upon a course of action regarding the seamen's strike. The Wharf Labourers' and Seamen's Conference reached no decision to join forces. The conference is not i-esuming. FEDERAL COURT TO INTERVENE. (Roc. May 21, 9.50 p.m.) Melbourne, Jlav 21. Oil the application of the Controller of Shipping, the Federal Arbitration Court has decided to intervene in tho shipping dispute, and has called a compulsory conference of parties for Monday next. Tho application has been made on the grounds of public interest. Tho unloading of a number of idlo vessels has not so far been interfered with. Many carters and others dependent on tho shipping traffic are already idle.— Press Assn. SOUTH AUSTRALIANS FIRM (Rec. May 21, 5.5 p.m.) Adelaide, jfay 21. The local 'branch of the Federated Seafflen's Union remains firm in its intention not to participate in a strike, and has advised the Westralinn branch to act similarly.—Press Assn. PRODUCE PRICES ADVANCING. (Rec. May 21, 9.50 p.m.) ' Melbourne, Mav 21. In view of the shipping strike and the possiblo shortage of supplies, there is the keenest demand for all classes of produce. Prices are advancing—Press Assn.