AIR PERIL STRESSED

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 108, 31 January 1935, Page 9

AIR PERIL STRESSED

4 Lord Rothermere’s Scheme in Britain x LEAGUE OF AIRMEN » London, January 29. Lord Rotliermere, in a letter to the “Daily Mail,” declares that, despite Germany being the world’s greatest air Power, Britain is less air-minded than 20 years ago, He urges the organisation of a National League of Airmen, which he intends to establish with the assistance of “Daily Mail” readers, subscribing 2/0 per capita. Tlie only full members will be pilots aged -10 or under or with war-time experience, whose flying records are the sole test of fitness. These will address the public, 'informing them of London’s aerial peril and correct official statements about Britain’s air strength and progress. Lord Rotliermere hopes for a membership of 100.000, and points out that Germany’s Air League comprises 5,000,000 and Italy’s 2,000,000 members. SHIP TO BE LAID UP Men Refuse to Work Her DISPUTE OVER FIREMAN (Received January 30, 7.50 p.m.) Sydney, January 30. The Howard Smith steamer Canberra, with 370 passengers aboard for Queensland ports, was prevented from sailing last night. One fireman was 'the cause of the trouble, the Seamen’s Union demanding that lie should be engaged by the company Io . fill a vacancy among the crew. The vessel was due to sail at 8 p.m., but later at night tlie company was compelled to advise passengers that the ship would not leave that night. The trouble arose originally in Brisbane a few weeks ago, when tlie company declined to engage a certain man. The. Canberra on that occasion was delayed *l9 hours. Apparently, knowing that the vacancy would have to be filled in Sydney, the man who was refused employment in Brisbane travelled to Sydney. The Seamen’s Union decided that he should be the only man offered for the vacancy. The company’s officials refused to engage the man. Howard Smith, Ltd., having notified the Seamen’s Union that it intended to exercise its legal right of free selection of its men. the union, at a mass meeting to-day, decided not to work the Canberra, and the vessel will be laid up indefinitely. It lias been revealed that the union meeting was “packed” with professional unemployed and what is known as “Sussex Street Sailors.” whereas if the dispute had been left solely to the Canberra’s crew a settlement would have been reached.