MORE SERIOUS.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 November 1922, Page 5

MORE SERIOUS.

THE SHIPPING DEADLOCK. OWNERS READY TO FIGHT. ARBITRATION ON TRIAL. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The position in regard to the shipping trouble is viewed in a more serious light to-day on account of further developments in other centres. The executive of the Seamen’s Federation is still in session and so far has not disclosed its attitude on the situation. Interviewed to-day, the secretary of the New Zealand (Employers’ Federation (Mr. O. Bishop) made the following statement in reference to the trouble:— g “The crews of certain vessels have given twenty-four hours’ notice of their intention to leave their employment and on the expiry of the 7 period of notice have left accordingly. The reason for their action, given by the men themselves, in almost every case has been that they declined to work under the new award, which came into operation on November 1. “At an 'interview 'between members of the Seamen’s Union executive and representatives of the shipowners on Thursday last it was also made plain that hostility to the award was the reason for the stoppage of work, and a .proposal was made on behalf of the union that in lieu of the award the old agreement of 1920 should be re-enacted, with a slight increase in wages. It will be remembered that the award, which is now complained of, is the decision of the Court of Arbitration in a very long and strenuously contested case, in which nearly three weeks were occupied, and in which Mr. Young, the seamen’s advocate, fully availed himself of the opportunity given to him to put his case, occupying most of the time. “The point is that both sides presented their views to the Court very fully and supported their respective claims by all the argument and evidence which they desired, and if now that the •Court’s decision has been given, the seamen are going to refuse to work under it they are striking a blow at the whole arbitration system, which certainly is not justified, and which, in the long run, cannot be in the interests of the workers.

“It is not justified, because under th*’ award the seamen’s standard of wages, fixed by agreement in 1920, ha* been maintained by the Court, a nominal reduction of 8d per month being merely set c.fl against the reduction in the cost of living. Although it is true that certain conditions of the .1920 agreement have been altered, the alterations represent the umpire’s decision on the facts presented by the respective parties, and in them there is no.-hing unfair or unjust to the members of the Seamen’s Union. It cannot be in the interests of the workers, because the Arbitration Court has undoubtedly 'been a great friend to the worker, in that ever since its inception it has held the scales of justice fairly between the two parties in the industry, and at the same time has safeguarded the public.

“It must be patent to everyone that the employers iu this case have no option but to observe the award in all respects, and that is what the shipping companies intend to do. They are ready to send the idle ships to sea just as soon as the crews will agree to accept the award. They can do no more and no less than that at present. The award expires on October 31 next, and if, after a fair trial, it is found that certain matters require reconsideration they can then be reconsidered.” NO CHANGE AT CHRISTCHURCH. POSITION TO BE DISCUSSED. Christchurch, Last Night. There is little change in connection with the shipping trouble. A man who absented himself from the Kini was returned on board, and she sailed for Napier. The Orepuki was also able to get away, owing to the return of missing men, but the Kekapo is still several meh short. The Wanaka and Katoa are to come in from the stream to-morrow to discharge their cargoes for Auckland and Dunedin, respectively. A stop-work meeting of all coastal seamen in Lyttelton is to be held to-morrow to discuss the position.

ANOTHER VESSEL HELD UP. Auckland, November 9. A number of the crew of the Kaitangata, on arrival from the South, gave notice of intending to cease work. TROUBLE IN AUSTRALIA. UNION STEAMERS DELAYED. TWO MAIL BOATS. Ry Telegraph.—Press Assn .—Copyright. Received Nov. 9. 10.20 p.m. Sydney, Nov. 9. The departure of the Moeraki, which should have sailed thih afternoon for New Zealand, is delayed. The cause of the trouble is stated to be the firemen, who declare the stokehold is undermanned, and they demand the appointment of three .".dditional firemen. Negotiations between [officials of the company and the Seamen's l Union have so far been ineffective. The company claims the men’s demands exceed the requirements of the law. The Union Company’s steamer Waikawa which was scheduled to leave for Nauru this afternoon, is also held up. Received November 10, 12.20 a.m. Sydney, Nov. y. One of the Moeraki’s firemen injured his hand and was incapacitated and two others on Sydney articles left the steamer. The firemen demanded that their places be filled by men on Sydney articles, but as it was believed this | would be followed by a demand that , the whole crew be placed on Australian 1 rates, the company declined to accede to the demands, and the Moeraki, with 172 passengers, mails and cargo on board, is anchored, in Neutral Bay awaiting developments. The Haikawa’s crew took action in sympathy with the New Zealand seamen, as they are on New Zealand articles. They are liable to prosecution. The Waikawa has beeti taken to an anchorage down the harbor. The crew is still on board. Received November 10, 1.15 a.m. Melbourne, Nov. 9. The Paloona. which should have sailed to-day, is held up, the crew acting in sympathy with the New Zealand dirikera.