WATERSIDE STRIKE.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 November 1924, Page 2

WATERSIDE STRIKE.

COMMONWEALTH LINE’S MOVE.

PROTRACTED DISPUTE EXPECTED

ICBTEALIAN AND N.Z. O*.BLE ASSOCIATION. SYDNEY, Nov. 8. A decision of outsanding importance and likely to have tar-reaching future results is reported to have been made hv the Commonwealth Line, which Inis decided that steps will be taken to re move all its steamers from the Australian register anil register them as British vessels. The decision is alleged to he the outcome of innumerable irritation strides in Australia, which lias placed the line at a great disadvantage, and resulted in a tremendous aggregate of

losses. The decision will mean that the whole fleet can he manned under British conditions. When the report was referred to Mill nice (Federal Premier), he would neither confirm nor deny it.

Earlier information stated that notice had been given in the London Gazette of the foureenth ol Oct. that aftei foftv days it was proposed to submit to 11 is Ma j'est.v-i n-Council an order under the Merchant Shipping Act for the registration as British steamers of vessels belonging to the Commonwealth Government. There is no outstanding change in respect to the overtime strike, although further delays have occurred to inter-Statc steamers. If the delays continue the steamers will lie laid lip and the crews paid off. The Moreton Bay and Ferndale are still hung up. A protracted dispute is expected.

ANOTHER BOAT HELD TIP. SYDNEY, Nov. 7. A later development in the waterside trouble is that the Moreton Bay’s crow have received 24 hours’ notice that the Company will lay the vessel up until a binding agreement with the dissatisfied unions is reached.

MINOR AFFRAYS. SYDNEY, November 8.

Several minor affrays between wharf labourers from the shipping bureau and others occurred at Wbolloomooloo when the men knocked off. The trouble usually arose through bystanders using certain epithets towards the bureau men as they passed. Tlie police were quickly oil the scene No serious injuries arc reported.