WATERSIDE TROUBLE

Hokitika Guardian, 15 September 1928, Page 3

WATERSIDE TROUBLE

— SETTLEMENT HOPED FOR

(Australian Press Association.)

MELBOURNE, September 14. As the result of a favourable reception to a proposal that the whole waterside dispute be placed in the bands of the Australian and New Zealand Council of Trade Unions, which was made at the-Watersiders’ Conference, the

prospects of a settlement are considerably brighter. The ’watersiders realise that if the owners carry out their threat to engage non-union labour, the strike will not last long, unless it becomes general, and many other industries are involved; and if the dispute spreads from the waterfront the.great bulk or public opinion would be against tbo strikers. In Union circles it is regarded as certain that the strike will be placed in the bands of the Council, which will "order the watersiders to return to work under the new award, as a prelude to the commencement of negotiations with the .shipowners. If this is done, it means the watersiders are abandoning the position they have adopted, and casting the onus of retreat upon the Council. The Council commenced negotiations to-day, when they arranged an interview with the watersiders’ leaders and Mr Hogan (Victorian Premier). A conference of the shipowners decided to write tbo Watersiders’ Federation, giving it one more opportunity to order the men to return to work.

SYDNEY, September 14. Following the application of the shipowners (cabled yesterday), Judge Beeby, who is ill in bed, bad the Court convened at hit bedside, and ruled that a strike exists in the shipping industry. The owners at Sydney are now preparing to engage volunteer labour. Many applications have already been received.

SYDNEY, September 14. The Ulimaroa sailed for Wellington at 1 p.m. ADELAIDE, September 14. -i commencement was made in unloading the cargo steamer Milora with free labour. Work proceeded, quietly. The Woolbrokers’ Association, after considering the delays caused to wool shipment by the strike, decided to postpone the sales for next Friday unless there are prospects of an early settlement.

PROSPECT OF STRIKE FAILING fßeceived this day at 10.16 a.m.) SYDNEY, September 15.

The officials of the Australian Labour Party are of tbo opinion that the strike will be short-lived, as tbo watersiders have no funds. The attitude of the other maritime unions towards the watersiders is more or less frigid, and it would not come, as a. surprise to fellow unionists if watorsider workers during the week-end instructed tbe'r Federation officials now sitting at Melbourne to capitulate on the owners’ terms.