AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3408, 12 February 1920, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

MARINE ENGINEERS’ STRIKE’.

THE DRASTIC PROCLAMATION.

GOVERNMENTS ACTION CAUSES

EXCITEMENT.

SYDNEY, Feb. 11

The Federal Cabinet’s action in locking up the funds of the marine engineers has caused considerable excitement in union circles, although the Institute Engineers view the move with equanimity. They regard the proclamation as a means to prevent the Institute purchasing the island fleet. Otherwise, beyond seeking legal advice, oflicialg refuse to discuss the position owing to the fact that the action is taken under the WarPrecautions Act. Under the terms of the proclamation, a bank refused an engineer permission to withdraw por tion of his private account. The Australian Workers’ Union Conference passed a resolution dis. agreeing with the Government’s affirmation of the principle of unionism. Strikes arescausing .a shortage of food supplies. Wholesale grocers are curtailing orders for many lines,

DEREGISTRATION Ol‘ ENGINEERS WANTED _BY SHIPOWNERS. Received 11.30 am. MELBOURNE, ‘this day. Mr Hughes spatcs that the proclamation is not in‘?ended to apply to the engineers’ private banking accoun"rsE. Gommo‘nweal~th sfleamrship nbwners were granted '3 rule‘ nisi for cancellation of rogis'tration of the Institute of Marine Enginco'rs’{ Mr Justice Higgins stafed that he would require a much sfronger case to induce him to derogistor the union.