THE STRIKE.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 February 1921, Page 5

THE STRIKE.

SHIPPING DEADLOCK. I OUTLOOK VERY SERIOUS. THREAT OF TROUBLE SPREADING. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Feb. 11, 9.35 p.m. Melbourne, Feb. 11. An All-Australian Unions’ Conference has been summoned by the Trades Hall Disputes Committee, in connection with the shipping strike, and will probably meet on February 17. All hopes of intervention by the Government have been abandoned, and the outlook is now very serious, as it has been ascertained that union circles are discussing a direct extension of the dispute, involving the coal miners.—Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assn. THE LABOR DEADLOCK. SHIPPING STRIKE RESPONSIBLE. Sydney, Feb. 11. It is estimated that 30,000 workers are idle, chiefly owing to the shipping strike and the resultant closing of the coal mines aryl other dependent industries. On behalf of the employers it is claimed that the trouble is mainly traceable to the single young men in the coal mining industry and on the waterfront getting too much money and getting it too easily, and that the time had arrived when the unions should officially disavow job control and “go slow” tactics. The union officials replied that the trouble is directly the outcome of the action of the employers in certain industries, seeking.to create trouble with the employees to secure a trial oi strength. They predict that the employers’ methods will evolve a Frankenstein, little thought of on both sides, and describe the position as very serious. DEMAND FOR NEW TRIBUNAL. Melbourne, Feb. 11. Mr. Hughes, commenting on the telegram from the Federal Labor Party requesting the appointment of a tribunal under the terms of the Industrial Peace Act, stated that Mr. Walsh and his associates must be taught a lesson. The Government refused to appoint a tribunal, as the seamen had declined to resume wofk in accordance with the tex-ms of the registered agreement, but sought resumption on the conditions existing prior to the stewards’ strike. The shipowners, in a communication to Mr. Hughes, opposed the tribunal, as it would play into the hands of a few extremists. ‘Tn any case it was unnecessary, as the owners simply (Jesired an assurance that the seamen in future would recognise the constituted auth'oritv. . Mr. Walsh stated yesterday that arrangements for convening an immediate meeting of the new executive had been cancelled. They may meet about September.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.