AUSTRALIAN SHIPPING STRIKE

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 205, 24 May 1919, Page 7

AUSTRALIAN SHIPPING STRIKE

PROTESTS AGAINST MEN'S ACTION

SYDNEY'S FOOD SUPPLIES REDUCED (fly Telegraph-Press Aseociatioii-Copyriirli't Sydney, May 2,3. The assistant secretary ,of tho Seamen's Union lias, resigned as a protest against the men striking without a ballot. Tlie Returned Soldiers' Wharf Workers' Union has decided not to fake part in tho strike, as it believes in tho settlement of disputes by arbitration. The Permanent Watersido Labourers' Union lias decided to send a cable message to Mr. Ilavelock Wilson asking him lo use his utmost endeavours to prevent oversea shipping being stopped or curtailed, as it is realised that if it is stopped tho cost of living will soar sky Already Hie effects of the shipping trouble are beginning to be felt. TII4 hold-up of coastal snipping has greatly reduced supplies of fish, butter, eggs, and other food supplies, whilo thousands ot lons of goods for other States arc awaiting deli very. The Riverinn. is amongst Bteamers whose crows have withdrawn.—Press Assn. OWNERS TAKE FIRM STAND GOVERNMENT WILL PROCEED WITH SECRET BALLOT. (Ree. May' 23, B.tfl p.m.) Sydney, May 23. Tho anticipation in some qunrtprs of a possible union split over tho shipping crisis' is not justified. The owners have notified the men that they aro determined to stand solid. Tho crows of tho North Coast Company's boats signed oil to-day. ~ • . The Government is determined to pro. ceed with tho secret ballot, despite the refusal of the union scrutineers, to act. The vessels idle includo tho Atua and the Waihora.—Press Assn. DONKEYMEN TO RETURN TO WORK Melbourne, May 23. The seamSn have decided that .donkeymen shall return to work to enable the wharf labourers to continue unloading cargo and coal. —Press Assn. GOVERNMENT CHARTER PROPOSED Brisbane,' May 23. The Acting-Premier is. in communication with Mr. W. A.. Watt asking permission for the Queensland Government to. charter cargo vessels for the purposo of relieving tho situation brought about by the strike.—Press Assn. "LOYALISTS" DRIVEN FROM MELBOURNE WHARVES WORK SUSPENDED PENDING A CONFERENCE.. Melbourne, May 23. The "terrorist party" among the wharf labourers bave succeeded in driving all "loyalists" from the wharves. They have also assaulted several of them .111 the streets. The strikers have informed the shipowners that as the wharves are froo ot "loyalists" they aro now prepared to continue loading and unloading if all the privileges lost as the Tesult of the 191? strike are restored. Tho owners have decided to suspend all work until after a compulsory conference, when, if the strike is not settled, work will be resumed by the 'loyalists," under police protection.—Press Assn. OVERSEMAFFIC MAY BE INVOLVED IN STRIKE. (Rec. May 23, 8.40 p.m.) Melbourne, May,23. _ A now position has arisen in tho maritime dispute; It is now stated that, even if tho seamen's trouble is settled at Monday's conference; shipping will still be kept idle unless the whiirf labourers' claims are satisfied. The seamen on the Commonwealth liners are expected to give notico upon arrival, and the strike thus threatens to involve the oversea traffic.—Press Assn.