VOLUNTEERS BEATEN

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 474, 2 October 1928, Page 1

VOLUNTEERS BEATEN

WLD MELBOURNE FIGHT

THOUSANDS in battle

fOUCE CHARGE THE CROWD

(gnited P d- —By Telegraph — Copyright) MELBOURNE, Monday. A serious fracas between striking waterside workers and free labourers occurred to-day at Melbourne.

The volunteer workers were leaving the Customs House after having registered for work on the waterfront under the Transport Workers' Act when a crowd of between 3,000 and 4,000 strikers attacked them with hale-hooks, shovels and their fists. The volunteers were chased and severely beaten before they were allowed to go. policemen were present in strong force and rescued many of the volunteers after vigorously using their batons on the rioters. They charged the crowd and drove them back. The strikers then directed their attention to several groups of Italians who were also applying for registration. Strong reinforcements of police, however, prevented further disturbances. A number of the volunteers had to be treated in hospitals. So far 400 licences have been issued, but none of the strikers at Melbourne has applied. The shipowners are making arrangements to have iuter-State vessels worked by volunteers as soon as possible. At a meeting of seamen it was decided not to man any vessels which have been handled by volunteer labour. MARITIME CONFERENCE A conference of maritime unions is being held in Melbourne. The delegates are discussing a proposal that, in view of the breakaways in other ports, the waterside workers should be asked to register under the Transport Workers Act and fight the issue of registration on the job. A further proposal under discussion is that the whole of the transport unions, including the railwaymen, carters, drivers, seamen, storemen, packers, electricians, enginedrivers and firemen, should be involved. The militant members are supporting a policy of declaring “black” all goods handled by non-unionists. In response to several inquiries from Australia asking whether the risks covered include injuries to.volunteers on shipboard, the underwriters have cabled an affirmative reply from Britain.

The Port Adelaide branch of the Waterside Workers’ Federation today decided by a large majority to call off the strike. Its members were instructed to register for work tomorrow morning. Later in the day the men applied freely for licences.