SHIPPING DISPUTES.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 March 1926, Page 3

SHIPPING DISPUTES.

[Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.]

DECLARED BLA.CK. MELIK IF RNE. March IS. The steamer ( lan MueXaiighton, cabled on lltb. February, lias been declared ‘•black” bv the Iron Trades’ Council. O’Hanlon states the action follows the previous decision that no temporary repair,-; be effected, by workmen who are members of a union to any vessel. The Council is opposed to Australian workmen patching up any vessel so that they could be taken t) foiitill'.'llt.'r! ports for lepair.s. because of the danger to Ihe lives of seamen taking them abroad, and because of Australian workmen bring deprived of work which could be done? here. They bad an assurance from the company that full repairs, which are .said to involve £80.001) sterling will be made in Australia.

NEW SEAMEN’S UNION. SYDNEY, March 18. The Secretary of the new coastal seamen’s union, W. J. Carroll, himself, a fireman, states although he had known how strong.was the discontent and distrust caused by the tactics of officials of the Seamen’s Union and disgust felt at the internal wrangling and scheming lie? was not prepared to find such an immediate support for tho new organisation. It had now in sight 200 efficient, trustworthy men as members. He anticipated that. another two hundred would join at tho rate of a hundred weekly, enabling tlie books t<> be closed in a fortnight. He said the object is to prevent coastal seamen and firemen being drugged into future disputes wherein they have no concern. The president of the new union is E. F. llagar. a coastal fireman; with a previous business experience.

SEAMEN’S VIEW. MELBOURNE, .March 18. Referring to the proposal ol the Federated Seamen’s Union to apply for registration. Mr Walsh, explaining the reason for the change ol policy, said it was realised that unionists had gained much and had improved the wages and working conditions by the use of the Arbitration Court. He said the Seamen’s Union had not sought de-registration, lmt tbo sliijsowners and their friends had clamoured for it with the result that when tho application was made, the Seamen .4 Union did not feel justified in involving itself in a prolonged, costly, legal action and so had not opposed.