SHIPPING TROUBLE.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 January 1928, Page 2

SHIPPING TROUBLE.

OAVNKRS’ THREAT. (By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) MELBOURNE, Jan. 12. A meeting of the Commonwealth Steamship Owners’ Association resolved that unless the vessels in all ports now requiring part or full crews are manned on or before Monday next, the Association will renounce tho present agreement and all future engagements under the new articles will be on such conditions and terms as prescribed by the owners.

The resolution was telegraphed to the general secretary of the Seamen’s Union.

SHIPPING CRISIS. SYDNEY, Jan. 12. When the crew of the Adelaide company's steamer, Momba, learned that the company was transferring from the Ormiston to the Momba, tlicy^^—... gave notice and the vessel was added to the idle list. A meeting of the Seamen’s Union was held to consider the situation and decided to Ilian all ships, pending a conference with the inter-State owners, when the log would lie discussed. The meeting was very stormy, a large section of the men demanding a prolongation of the dispute, arid implication of all shipping. NOTICES AATTHDRAAYN SYDNEY, Jan. 12. Following on the seamen’s meeting, the crew of the Momba withdrew their notices. It is expected that the seamen’s decision is merely a preliminary to a general resumption of work on all strike affected vessels.

SEAMEN RESUMING. DIFFERENCE OVER TERMS. SYDNEY, Jan. 13. Soon after the seamen reached the* decision to man all ships, the crews of Mom ha and Orungal, who yesterday left their vessels, returned and signified their intention to remain at work. It is believed there will he a general i - sumpton. According to a statement made by Dillon, Secretary of the Commonwealth Steamship Owners’ Federation, and Johnson, Secretary of the Seamen’s Union, there is a misunderstanding of the terms on which work will be resumed. The ultimatum from the Association was received by union officials almost simultaneously with the decision to resume work. It is generally considered that had the ultimatum been received earlier and presented to members: of the Union, a different decision might have been reached. Dillon said the seamen capitulated unconditionally. All loggings originally imposed will tie enforced. Hence the men who attended the stop work meeting <m 28th. December will he logged for two days’ pay, and the amount they would have boon paid had they not attended the meeting will also lie deducted. The owners previously expressed their willingness to compromise and deduct only half a day’s pay if the seamen resumed immediately, hut this was not done, with the result that they forfeited the right of benefit of the owners’ concession. Johnson said the seamen were going hack to work on the understanding that the owners early offer to cancel the gings. held good.