SYDNEY WHARF STRIKE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 114, 3 November 1911, Page 5

SYDNEY WHARF STRIKE.

EXTENDS TO DEEP SEA MEN. A SERIOUS OUTLOOK. By Cable —Fress Association —Copyright. Sydney, November 2. The wharf laborers have decided to extend the strike to the deep-sea wharves by an almost unanimous vote. The decision is the greatest surprise to shipowners generally. It was thought that the strike was unpopular with all but a small section of the men. When they emerged from the meeting the men were evidently greatiy excited. 'Many rushed out repeatedly crying "No work!' The officials quickly dispersed, declining to give the press information. The men were not so reticent, and stated. "It's casual work, and the shipowners can afford to pay." The inter-State railway traffic has tremendously increased owing to the strike. In the Assembly, in 'reply to a question if he was prosecuting the strikers, Mr. Carmichacl asked for notice. The.

same answer was given the previous day. The Herald states that the action ef the men in ignoring the agreement resolves itself into an attitude of cov tumacv, of which many must 1 ashamed. Repudiation of the agreemev threatens organised industrialism wit' disintegration. The Herald asks: "If the Government dare not use its legislative authority to put down the strike, what becomes of its pretence of responsibility ?"

The Telegraph declares that the Po-1 litical Labor Party is sustaining a Government that obviously dare not face the responsibility, of enforcing arbitration in preference to a strike. Melbourne, Xovember 2. Mr. Hughes, in reply to a further question in the House, stated there had been a breach of agreement by the wharf laborers, and it was under e»isideration what action should be taken. MEETIXG OF CABINET. Received 2, 5.43 p.m. Sydney, Xovember 2. At a meeting of the Cabinet the strike was discussed. Subsequently Mr. MeGowen stated that the work of the port must be carried on, and the Government will take all necessary steps to prevent trade being suspended. The Government will appoint an arbitration tribunal to immediately consider the matters in dispute. THE PREMIER'S ADVANCE. GOVF.RXMEXT WILL DISCHARGE ITS DUTIES.

Received 2, G. 15 p.m. Sydney, Xovember 2. Mr. McGowcn added that since the commencement of the trouble, realising the serious danger of the strike spreading. lie and bis colleagues used their i endeavors to secure resumption of work. ' He was astounded at the wharf laborers extending the strike to the deep-sea men. If persisted in such a strike will ; cause serious injury to general trades unionism and industrial arbitration, and lay trades unionists open to the. reproach that agreements solemnly entered into can be flagrantly violated. Still he believed that the Wharf Laborers' Union had not grasped the seriousness of the situation. The State was face to face with a general stoppage of transport work, which would spell disaster not only to the men concerned but to the whole community. The strikers had made a serious mistake, and were acting as enemies of trades unionism. He urged them in their own interest and the interests of trades unionism to immediately resume, and to submit the dispute to arbitration. Whatever the eonsequences. the Government was determined to discharge its duties to the community. If immediate, resumption at all the wharves was decided on, the serious consequences which were otherwise inevitable would be averted. This was a time when all true unionists should stand by the declared policy of industrial arbitration, and assist the Government in vindicating it.

SIIIPOWXERS SURPRISED. "LIKE A BURGLAR." CARGO LYIXG UNTOUCHED. Received 2. 0.4-5 p.m. Sydney. Xovember 2. The sudden action of the deep-sea men has completely surprised the shipowners anil greatly accentuated the congestion. The effect is particularly felt in connection with a number of partially loaded and unloaded oversea vessels, added to a long list of coastal and inter-State vessels already held up. A strong section of deep-sea men freely expressed dissatisfaction at the stoppage. A petition has been extensively signed, asking the executive to call another special mass meeting. Tt is understood arrangements are bring made \o hold it on Saturday.

'i'lie Ship,owners' Federation will probably meet . to-morrow to discuss llio situation. Addressing one of a number nf impromptu meetings to-day a prominent member of (lie Wharf Laborers' Union declared Die -.ictiim of tbc union in calling out tin' men was 'dike a burglar entering a man's lionse without giving him warning." The whole thing was unconstitutional and illegal. Tie would rather lose the whole of the Society's funds than act dishonestly like this.

Unwonted work is beginning to tell on the clerks and permanent hands, and in cniisc(|iience some of the companies are curtailing the already small consignments and refusing to receive more cargo. The deep-sea men's action left the Tofua's cargo of bananas partially unloaded. and the fruit merchants and clerks are finishing the work.

The Moana has not been touched since her arrival. Similarly other vessels are untouched, while the crews of some of the deep-sea vessels have replaced the wharf laborers.