SHIPPING STRIKE

Hokitika Guardian, 9 December 1927, Page 2

SHIPPING STRIKE

BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSN., COPYRIGHT. RACK AT WORK. SYDNEY, Dee. 9. The watersiders rolled up in strong force for the afternoon pick-up and such labour as was required for overtime work was readily obtainable, no objections being raised. The men at all ports appeared pleased to he hack, and that a way out of what threatened to he a long spell of idleness had been found. THE RESUMPTION. SYDNEY, Dec. 8. Even before pick-up time this morning, large numbers of watersiders assembled in the vicinity of the wharves aiul the waterfront lias been a scene of bustle all day, the vessels being pulled into the berths, unloading and getting cargo aboard. Owing to the abnormal number of vessels in port, as a result of the strike, the supply of labour proved short. It is expected that sufficient will he assembled to-morrow to meet all requirements. Reports from other states show that work has been similarly in progress.

In a statement issued by the Sydney Joint Committee of the Australian and Overseas shipping interests, it is claimed that work was resumed on the waterfront because ihe shipowners have remained loyal to the Arbitration Court and the decision of tlie Court’s representative, and that their stand has been upheld by tlie Court. 'Flic statement adds that It is hoped that in future complete observance ot awards will result in continuity of work and the establishment of the harmony between employers and employee so essential to the welfare of trade and commerce in Australia. SYDNEY, Dec. 9.

Reviewing the enormous loss of wages and industrial dislocation due to strikes Air McDonald, Chairman of "the Northern Colliery Proprietors’ Association, said that never in the ni ■- tore of the State had slackness m trade been so intense. It was assuming proportions that were causing anxiety and alarm to colliery proprietors. Australia’s ‘trade ill export coal was dwindling towards extinction. In twelve years, 1913 to 1925. inter-State and foreign ' shipments fell by more than one million tons, and it was in the nature of a tragedy that while the great interest was fighing lor its existence, the pits should he idled on pretexts which were unreasonable and often frivolius.