SHIPPING TROUBLE.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 August 1925, Page 3

SHIPPING TROUBLE.

[Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.] MASS MEETING OK MEN. SYDNEY. Aug. 21. There was a mass meeting of fiteen hundred seamen, firemen and stewards off the British ships here to-day. They voted solidly in favour of a general strike on all the British ships in Australian waters. The crew of one ship, the P. and 0. liner “Chitral,” alone refused to participate. The meeting passed a resolution that the rate ol payment ruling in July last he insisted on, and that the seamen insist that they he paid to the French seamen in all waters, and that there he no resumption until these conditions arc accepted. Mr Tom Walsh advised the men not to leave their ships unless arrested, adding: “If you are sent to gaol, you will get no wages, hut you will get food and shelter.” A further resolution was carried that the meeting repudiated the agreement that has been entered into in Britain by Havelock Wilson (Secretary) and the Union here, and that the men he empowered to elect representatives and to re-establish the L » ion on a firm basis when they have reached England. Mr Tom Walsh promised the men the full support of the local union. The trouble has not yet spread to MellHntrtie. The seamen on three British steamers at Brisbane have given notice that they will not take the ships to sea. The men are remaining aboard. Other British ships arriving at Brisbane will he treated similar!). The decision of the men at both cities has come as a complete surprise to the owners. At present there are 50 British ships in Australian ports, and there are about 140 more on the way to Australia within the next six weeks. It is believed the mail service will not he threatened with severe interruption if the hold-up is prolonged. AWAITING IXSTRUCTIONS. (Received this day at 8 a.in.) SYDNEY, August 22. The Overseas Shipping Representatives met and discussed the s.tuatim arisinw out of the men’s refusal tc man ' the ships. The proceedings were held in camera and the result was cabled to London for instructions.