OMINOUS RUMBLINGS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 865, 8 January 1930, Page 1

OMINOUS RUMBLINGS

Crisis Feared in Maritime Industry NON-UNIONISTS CALLED OFF Perturbed Minister Has Secret Parleys Received 11.30 a.m. SYDNEY. Today. The ‘"Sydney Morning Herald" says the Federal Ministry is gravely concerned with the growing unrest on the waterfront, caused by the demand of the watersiders for the immediate removal of non-unionists from every wharf throughout the Commonwealth.

“It is revealed.” the paper says, “that, the Assistant-Minister of Industry, Mr. J. A. Beasley, recently held a number of secret conferences with the waterside workers in Melbourne. . “Fears are held in Federal circles that a crisis in the maritime industry is threatened and Cabinet will give its special attention to the position at a meeting to be held next week.” SAFETY MEN IN MINES The Central Council of the Miners’ Federation definitely endorsed a recommendation from the Northern miners that all safety men be withdrawn from the mines closed by the Associated Coal Owners’ officials. The engine-drivers in the union, however, have received definite instructions that the safety men must remain at work. Three South Coast mines, Corrimal, Scarborough and Coalcliff, have de-

cided in favour of an all-out policy., but the other lodges voted* solidiy against it.

Four hundred returned soldiers at West Maitland endorsed a proposal to establish a Labour defence corps, and resolved to pledge themselves to fight, strenuously in any way the Miners’ Federation may direct. ALTERING THE CONSTITUTION The “Herald’s” Canberra correspondent says that in all probability a referendum on the question of amending the Constitution to give increased industrial powers to the Commonwealth will be held in July before the Prime Minister, Mr. Jas. Sculliu, departs to attend the Imperial Conference in London. It is understood, the paper says, that the necessary legislation will be introduced immediately Parliament resumes in March.