SHIPPING TROUBLE.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 September 1925, Page 3

SHIPPING TROUBLE.

{.Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.J Til 10 OWN 10IIS’ VIIOWPOINT. (Received this day at 10.2 d a.in.) KYDXAY, September 2i. Seale, Deputy I’resitlent ot the Overseas .Shipping Representatives Association in a statement says Australia is on tlie verge ot national paralysis as appalling as the result ol a succcsshil blockade by enemy .submarines. This will be the direct ellcet ol the conflict between llritisli shipowners and seamen, blit ol one ol a succession ol blows aimed at the British Empire. 11 was time, the people ol Australia understood the truth in connection with the present shipping crisis and realised the national calamity impending. Austrahas prosperity was hound up in the maintenance ol her oversea trade. Without transport, her produce would ho held up, and paralysis would ensue, which must gravely affect every hraiioh of industry and commerce in the ( onimonwcaltli. A wide growing wave ot stagnation and unemployment will sweep the whole country. Among those who will feel the catastrophe most keenly will be the primary producers. Alter reviewing the cimmista uces leading to the reduction of seamen’s wages and the agreement utlimately arrived at which was anticipated by the delegates meeting representing 72 branches of the seamen's union, was confirmed by the annual general meeting. The statement continues that the present strike is a revolt aaginst unionism. Oversea shipowners who are standing firmly by the agreement are actually lighting the battle of the British, as well as protecting their own interests. Despite statements made to the contrary the owners have been ready at any time to meet the representativs ol British seamen on strike, but are not prepared to negotiate upon the matter. It was decided by the union itself and agreed to bv fifty thousand seamen. Our invitation to the seamen is to rejoin ships; and state their grievances to the Board of Trade upon arrival in Don don.

“SUNDAY TfMES’’ COMMENT. LONDON. Sept. 20

The “Sunday Times.’’ in an editorial, says that every sane Englishman, who is aware of the facts, will give instant approval to Mr Bruce’s decision to seek a fresh mandate, ft is not often an election is fought over matters of such fundamental importance. There is nothing less at stake than the power and authority of Parliament, as against dictation ;by a. .handful of reds. If the Australian Laliotir leaders saw the position alright they would realise that the shipping strike, fomented in defiance of the agreement made hv the seamen’s accredited representatives, threatens them and their ultimate authority with the whole fabric of organised labour more than anything else.

A COMMUNIST OFFENSIVE. LONDON. Sept. 20. F. C. Allen (Chairman of the Shipping Federation) in a letter to the press asks do the public realise the so-called seamen’s strike is really a reconnaisanee in force in connection with the general communist offensive by direct action against the existing order of society. Do they understand the attempt to hold up our maritime communications, which has failed in this country, but has met with greater success in the colonies, is as dangerous a character as was the submarine warfare directed against the mercantile m marine by enemies. MORE WATERSIDE TROD lII.E. ' ADELAIDE. September 21. A dispute has arisen between the V Waterside Union and the Adelaide Shipping Coy over the number ol bales to be placed in a sling. Union officials instructed the men only to put lour - bales and the company insists upon six. The Board of Reference urged the company’s claim and the wharf labourers refused to handle wool. It is expected all the Gulf fleet will be held up. Seamen refused to sign on the I’nringn fearing she worn! have towing work to do and that they would run the risk of being imprisoned as were the crew of the Quorum for similar duty. The seamen demand the insertion ol a clause in the articles providing extra pay in case of towing work. KOSMO’S CARGO. AUCKLAND, September 21. An examination of the steamer Kosnio shows the damage by lire was less than expected. The cargo affected is no more than one hundred tons, including six motor cars. Auckland cargo only will be landed here. Consignees will be required to sign only an average bond and the contribution will he fixed later. SEAMEN WILL NOT CONKER. SYDNEY. Sept. 21. M. Charlton’s efforts to arrange a conference have proved abortive. The seamen decided not to confer with the owners until all the imprisoned men

siro released. The strikers’ executive have made a counter proposal to the Waterside Workers’ Federation, that in the event of the strike not. Iming settled hv the end of the week, all vessels arriving from England be declared hlaek. The wa torsi dews hold a meeting to-morrow to consider the proposal. TWO SHIPS DEI. A YET). AUCKLAND. Sept. 21. The departure of the Waitomo for Newcastle was delayed on Saturday night, hv ahsentees from her crew. The vacancies were tilled on Sunday all d she sailed at lour o clock. The Katoa completed loading tor southern ports on Saturday evening, hut her crew objected to the way the ship was trimmed and refused to go to sea. The departure was postponed (ill noon to-day. MEETING OF BUSINESS AIEN. (!OOT)S IX SHIPS WANTED. CHRISTCHURCH, ept. 21. \ meeting of Christchurch men this morning discussed the (piestion ol getting didivery of goods now held up in English vessels. One merchant urged ■■gf that Government take action, so that the idle ships could he brought to the wharves and discharged. After a lengthy discussion in camera, a com- - C niittee was appointed to go into the matter.