SHIPPING TROUBLE

Hokitika Guardian, 2 November 1931, Page 5

SHIPPING TROUBLE

COMPULSORY CONFERENCE.

SEAMEN OFFERING

(Australian Press Association.)

SYDNEY, October 31

A Compulsory -Conference of shipowners . and Union representatives was convened at Melbourne this afternoon, but Sydney Union officials did not receive notification in time and probably it will be postponed until Monday.

11l defence of the Strike Committee, the motor ship "Mamba” signed on a volunteer crew and sailed late last night. This is the biggest setback the strikers had experienced.

A: <*rew' lias also been selected for the steamer "Wear’’ which has been towed into the stream ready for departure. A majority of the volunteers on this vessel are unionists. Having gone too far with the arrangements with tlie “Wear” to temporise further, the shipowners could not comply with Mr Scullin's request in regard to this ship, but gave an assurance that they would hold Lliree other ships for which crews are available, until a confeience is held. When calls were made .for crews yesterday, nearly two thousand seamen attended. but under threats from “Bashers” of the Communists Strike Committee there was no response. Many, however, handed in their names privately to the owners. There seems little doubt every ship will be able to secure a first class Crew despite the fact that daily strike resolutions are carried with the usual majority, At Newcastle ft volunteer crew was secured for the Mernoo. The ship will be held up pending the Melbourne conference.

The motor ship Mu lid all a sailed from Sydney late last night.