SHIPPING TROUBLE

Hokitika Guardian, 23 October 1931, Page 5

SHIPPING TROUBLE

EXTENDS TO ALL STATES. ALL COASTAL VESSELS TO STOP. (Australian Press Association.) SYDNEY, October 22. There was a startling turn to the seamen’s dispute arising out of a mass meetincr of two thousand seamen held at Sydney to-day, when it was decided to declare a strike on the whole of tne ships employed on the Australian coast. All of the crews of the inter-State vessels were required to give notice bv 5 p.m. to-day. I lie terms proposed by the Conciliation Commissioner in Melbourne on Monday were rejected. It is reported that a two-thirds majority readied a decision for the gen- 1 era) strike on the coastal shipping, 1 which was declared to he binding on j all the States.

The decision was telegraphed to all parts. The Secretary of the Sydney branch of the Union, Mr Raeburn, advocated a resumption of work on compromise terms, but he was howled down. The notice given by the crew of the “Ulimaroa” does not expire till 5 p.m. to-morrow, and, as the vessel is timed to sail at 2 p.m., she will probably get away. The, seamen’s meeting was very protracted, and was not concluded till late this afternoon. There was a large number of militants present, who created a pandemonium, and m was impossible for the speakers to make themselves heard.

The shipowners subsequently indicated that they had no intention or conceding any further demands or privileges, and they expressed the opinion that they had no alternative but to accept the challenge and to invite free labour.

A decision to this effect is expected immediately.

The transhipment of the cargo from the vessels already involved, the “Canberra,” the “Wear” and the “Westralia” has almost been completed, at heavy cost. At least £25,000 in wages has been lost by their idle crews. The shipwoner.s’ campaign will be conducted from Melbourne, where their headquarters are situated, and their Sydney office is now in close touch, awaiting the next move. “We know where we stand now,” remarked one prominent shipping man. The provisions of the Navigation Act enable! the Commonwealth Government to grant permits to British and overseas ships to carry cargoes and passengers between the Australian ports, when it can be shown that the coastal services are inadequate. When interviewed to-day, Colonel Campbell, the (leader of the “New Guard,” said; “We are now discussing the whole position with the shipping men, and cannot say more just now,” PRIME MINIS7erT~STATEMENT. CANBERRA, October 22. The Prime Minister, Mr Scullin, answering a question in the House of Representatives tins afternoon, said that the Government would enforce the law against the Seamen’s Union, which could he dealt with under the Crimes Act, which was passed by the Bruce Government. OWNERS’ ATTITUDE. SYDNEY, October 22. The shipowners are now considering the 'position. It is unofficially stated that they will take the Prime Minister at his word, and will urge him, as a preliminary move, to take action against the strikers’ officials under the Federal Crimes Act. ONE OF LEADERS. (Received this day at 9.25 a.m', SYDNEY, October 23. Particular seamen responsible for tbe strike, is Shelley a native of Germany and now a naturalised Britisher, whose address is the Communist headquarters, Sydney, told the seamen's meeting to-day that lie had asked for the reason of his dismissal from the Canberra. but none were forthcoming. He was however, told that his services were satisfactory.

To-day’s strike, decision has gone to the other States for information and recommendation and it is generally believed the other State branches will adopt it. There is a feeling at Canberra tonight that the Federal Cabinet intends to give instructions for tile arrest ol the strike leaders. WATER FRONT TROUB LE SPREADING. NEW GUARDS STATEMENT. TO BE OPPOSED BY SEAMEN. (.Received this dnv 10 a.mA SYDNEY, October 22. The “Telegraph” says unrestrained Communist agitation on the waterfront, led to what may be Australia’s most violent industrial struggle. Alderman J. Garden, Secretary of the Labour Conned, challenges the New Guard to man the ships. The New Guard reiterated its contention of protecting volunteers and the seamen replied with the announcement that they are forming a defence corps in all States to com fiat its activities. Labour Council decided to convene a conference of ropre'enta,fives and all organisations opposed to the New Guard.

With Premier Lang, Minister of Labour Baddeley, and G< sling, Chief .Secretary, away from Sydney no indication of the State Government's attitude could Ire obtained. Trades Hall pressure will b" brought to bear with Lie object of k oping the Government, to keep neutral, if possible. Victorian seamen seem certain to support the .strikers, Mamy members of the Victorian branch are antagonistic to Schelley, but- will consent to a sympathy strike. It is estimated that if the trouble becomes general, nearly seventy-five- vessels on, Australian articles will be affected,