SYDNEY SEAMAN

Hokitika Guardian, 30 October 1931, Page 5

SYDNEY SEAMAN

REACH DECISION.

FOR GENERAL STRIKE.

(Australian Press Association.)

SYDNEY, October 29.

At another mass meeting of the Sydney Seaman’s Union to-day, there was a motion, sponsored by the militant faction calling on all the members employed on the inter-State ■ships to ceasie work after twenty-four hours’ notice. The motion was carried and the notice is being given immediately. The decision involves every interstate vessel, and it is believed includes the Ulimaroa, the Niagara and the Aorangi, and also other ships controlled by the Burns Philip Company. The moderate section fought the motion, but they were greatly outnumbered. To-day’s meeting was- not nearly so disorderly as the previous: two meetings owing to an understanding among the leaders of the various factions to restrain their followers from heckling and interrupting.

The shipowners received no response this aftemnon when they called for crews for the Westralia, the Ormiston, and Macumba and the Wear.

A report has been received from Adelaide that the seamen there will ignore the Sydney decision for a gen» eral strike, and accordingly will man. all the ships, excepting the Canberra. Fourteen vessels are already laid up in various ports. The shipowners are considering the position at Melbourne to-day, . A vital decision is expected shortly. -i DECISION A SURPRISE. SYDNEY, October 29. The seamen’s decision extending the dispute to all ships on Australian articles, excepting the inter-State vessels, has caused the greatest surprise, the general belief being that the moderates would be able to bring about its collapse. A special meeting is being held ,at the Communist Hall to-morrow, for appointing a new Strike Committee. ■ It is now definitely stated the Ulimaroa, Niagara and Aorangi will brought within the scope of the strike.

Ln.te this afternoon, the shipowners sent nn ultimatum to- the General Secretary of' the Seamen’s Union, insisting that orews be supplied by tomorrow, or otherwise the owners would take steps to obtain crews whenever possible.

“BASHER GANGS.”

TO INTIMIDATE VOLUNTEERS

(Received this day at 9.25 a.m)

SYDNEY, October 30,

The Sydney “Teibgraph” says i “Anticipating a call for volunteers to man the ships, Communists, at a secret meeting, decided to recruit “basher’’ gangs for the purpose of intimidating prospective volunteers, either at the ship's side or on their return to Sydney.” Melbourne seamen have offered themselves for work, and shipowners met the men half way by not inflicting penalties upon the seamen of the Goulbourn, who deserted. The owners gave the men their jobs back and' paid a special permit fee in addition. If the trouble continues, Melbourne seamen threaten to form a breakaway union and seek recognition by the Arbitration Court

In a statement-, Mr Moate, Secretary of the Stewards’ Union, pointed out that, in nine years, Schelley Had only been to sea for eleven days. Schelley is a deliberate wrecker, whose policy is one of destruction. Last night’s Trades Hall meeting condemned Mr Lang as “the friend of the shipowners and protector of the new guard.” The meeting represented all sections of 'State Labour movement, and ■all resolutions carried were of a revolutionary nature. A great many delegates were wearing button badges celebrating the anniversary of the Russian Revolution. Mr Lang was condemned for allowing police “baton and batter workers.