AN INSIDE VIEW

Hokitika Guardian, 16 October 1928, Page 5

AN INSIDE VIEW

OF SEAMEN’S UNION. NO HOPE OF PEACE. (Australian Press Association). (Received this day at 11.25. a.m.) SYDNEY, October 10. An inside view of the Seamen’s Union has been furnished the “Herald” by a member who says industrial peace is impossible while industry is conducted on present lines. Friday’s meeting of the union, which resulted in the delay of the Ulimaroa, was called for the purpose of ascertaining the « members attitude towards the watersiders dispute. After five hours f acrimonious debate, heated interjection and scurrilous personalities, it was decided that all ships he manned until the Australian Council of Trades Unions and waterside workers adopted a uniform policy, but it is a significant fact that a large majority strenuously opposed a peaceful policy, though no principle was at stake. Howls were frequently raised (for a general strike,. and jeers greeted the plea that certain ships be exempted from the proposed struggle' on the ground that their crews would be sacri_ ficed in vain. A general stoppage was indeed a near thing and it is hopeless for the community to expect consideration or peace ,from the organisation which treats its own members so callously. Only the influence and eloquence of officials and certain members after a hard struggle, persuaded the rank and file that a strike under the circumstances would be sheer insanity. The correspondent blames the general pick-up system under which hundreds of men congregate and idlers are frequently harangued .hy with synthetic names, flourishing ‘ red handkerchiefs. They are upon the'* Union books, but have no seamen’s discharges. Added, to these- are mob orators from the Domtaiit end Communists. One German agitator has not been to seaj for twenty years. All these are capable of leaving idle men mesmerised, ready for any mischief and they do. The shipping industry is overcrowded and millions steiling aie lost annually through the insensate strikes. A remedy should he in selecting a few thousand men required'and licensing them and guaranteeing more constant employment; also letting loafers and industrial anarchists find other occupations. .