Slop-Work Meeting to Discuss Strike

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 725, 26 July 1929, Page 1

Slop-Work Meeting to Discuss Strike

SEAMEN INTERESTED A SECRET SESSION The dispute between Sanford, Ltd., and the crews of their trawlers assumed more significant proportions this morning when the Auckland Seamen’s Union, of which the deckhands on the trawlers are members, called a stopwork meeting to consider the position. After a discussion lasting more than three hours executive members refused to make any statement to the Press. The Seamen’s Hall at the foot of Albert Street was packed with seamen at eight o’clock this morning, when a stop-work meeting was held. A strict guard ■was maintained at the door and a pressman seeking admittance was promptly ejected. The meeting, which was attended by members of the trawling crews, continued until ten minutes past eleven, when the men dispersed. Interviewed after the meeting, the secretary of the Seamen’s Union, Mr. T. F. Anderson, said no statement would be given to the Press. Members of the union were similarly reticent in regard to the business transacted. During the reporter’s very brief sojourn in the hall reference was being made by one speaker to the employers’ concession in regard to shore leave. “They are making a very big song about this/* he remarked. In the bustle consequent 'Upon the reporter’s departure the remainder of his remarks were lost. Interviewed early this afternoon Mr. A. W. Brockie, general manager of Sanford, Ltd., said he had heard nothing further from the men. Up to that time the position remained the same. Yesterday it was reported that the Serfib, which was the first vessel to put to sea with non-union labour, would sail again today. This morning ! the vessel still lay alongside the ! wharf. In addition to one or two non-union men. two police constables were also in attendance.