SHIPPING TROUBLE.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 August 1925, Page 3

SHIPPING TROUBLE.

[Australia & N.Z. Cable Association. SEAMEN'S UNION STATEMENT. (Received this day at 11.2.3 a.m.) LONDON. Annnst 27. Headquarters of the Seamen's am Firemen’s Union declared to-day tlia no ships are held up or prevented Iron sailing by the Communist plot. Il was added that in consequence of whal occurred at South African ports the Union sent a lengthy cable to Mi Hertzog in terms similar to the cable to Mr Bruce, askino lor protection loi crews. LONDON. August 2(1. A disturbance occurred this morning outside the Stepney Office of the Seamen’s Union whose officials had been threatened by Communists. While agitators were addressing the crowd outside an attempt was made to attack the building. A number of police arPHI rived and guarded the premises. Revolver shots were fired from the buildV- ing during the uproar and the secretary was arrested. THE CHITRAL SAILS. SYDNEY. Ail". 2(i. The steamer Chitral sailed to-day. Her passengers were taken aboard in the stream in order to avoid any last minute i rite fere nee by the crew. FREIGHT AGREEMENT. f ' - SYDNEY. Aur. 27. Negotiations are reported to lie in progress between the shipowners and Dairy Export Control Hoard, whereby reduced rates of freight will be accepted by the shipping lines in return for the adoption of definite agreements. The proposed system will be on the lines of that at present in force in New Zealand, where the freights on many lines are less than the Australian.

SEAMEN’S DECISION. SYDNEY, Aug. 27. The most important decision arri at ma.ss meetings of British seamen, was that a new-organisation i- l oed. A president, .secretary and executive were appointed to (ontro! its affairs.

REPLIES BY STATES. MELBOURNE, Aug. 27. Mr Bruce announced he has received replies to the request for protection of British sailors desiring work from all States except N.S.AY. and West Australia. The Victorian reply says:—Government is fully seized with the seriousness of the position and will be quite prepared to co-operate with the Commonwealth Government is endeavouring to cope with it in every possible way. Queensland replied : —Your wire respecting seamen’s strike received. South Australia says: There is no lintlirriidlation of British seamen in South Australia. Government will take all necessary steps to prevent any breach of the peace. Tasmania says : Government will take any action necessary for desirable as circumstances arise. The Victorian branch of the AVatersiders’ Federation has assured ship owners that no ships will he held up in Melbourne by its members. It is reported the Federal Executive is issuing instructions to this effect, and also to Adelaide and Fremantle. A SEAMAN’S VIEWS. CHRISTCHURCH, August 27. “AVl'at we want is for Tom AValsli to go home and reorganise our union. Flo is the man able to do that and we think he would receive the wlmlehearted support of the seamen in the United Kingdom,” declared the spokesman of a group of the crew of the Ffororata this morning. These men v, came out on strike yesterday following on advise received from. Australia. He _ ■ yielded that in tile meantime they were awaiting developments. The men were very bitter in their attitude towards the President of their Union, Havelock AVilson and their one aim, they stated, was to remove him from power. AUCKLAND POSITION UNCHANGED. AUCKLAND, August 27. The position on the waterfront is unchanged. The Kent anchored in the stream.