THE STRIKE.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 November 1922, Page 5

THE STRIKE.

CONNECTION WITH SOUTH. THE MARAROA SAILS. COMPANY’S EMPLOYEES AS CREW. GENERAL POSITION UNCHANGED. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The Union Company’s steamer Mararoa sailed at 4.20 p.m. for Lyttelton with 175 passengers. The vessel was manned by a scratch crew, comprising the company’s men from their shore staff and office staff. The Mararoa leaves Lyttelton at 8 a.m. on Tuesday on the return trip to Wellington, and continues in the service. The Nikau leaves Nelson on Tuesday evening for Wellington, and continues in the service. During the day it was stated the. Mararoa was to be manned by free labor, that is casual labor, and as this was interpreted as a direct challenge to the union and union labor it was anticipated some lively scenes would ensue prior to and at the time of sailing. The company, however, did not seek outside help Jn this ease, there being sufficient employees from various departments to man the ship, and there were no scenes.

WORKERS DISSATISFIED. NEW UNION SUGGESTED. ATTITUDE OF RAILWAYMEN. EXECUTIVE MEETING. Wellington, Last Night. The Alliance of Labor is meeting today, but no information has yet been disclosed except that it is stated the strikb will not be touched till the seamen put their case before it. There is a rumor that a section of the waterside workers are dissatisfied with the administration of the present union, and a movement is on foot to form a second union. Rumors have been current that the railwaymen might be inclined to sympathise in a practical manner with the seamer., but though the A.S.R.S. executive is now meeting at Wellington, nothing has been divulged as to its attitude. An official of the Cooks and Stewards* Union, when approached regarding the fact that the men were being paid off, characterised the employers’ action as a lockout. The men themselves, however, accept un employment as the inevitable result of the shipping stoppage. STRIKE LESS POPULAR. CHANGED FEELING AT LYTTELTON STEWARDS RESENT IDLENESS. Christchurch, Last Night. When told that the Mararoa had left Wellington with a volunteer crew, many of the seamen in Lyttelton were incredulous, but on being assured fnat the Mararoa had actually sailed, they inclined to view the matter seriously. It is said the strike i<s getting less popular with the men as time goes on, and a large number are even now prepared to admit that they have acted unwisely. Others say they may go back at the end of the week and “have another go later.” The Wahine’s stewards, who were paid off to-day, were very outspoken in their condemnation of the action of the seamen. “Most of us,” said one steward with long service to his credit, “have been out of work practically all the winter—the laying up of the Wahine for the winter threw dozens out of employment —and now just as we get started again the silly beggars start this game. It is almost a tragedy for some of us, I can tell you.” OTHER WORKERS INVOLVED. INDUSTRY LOSES BY STRIKE. Christchurch, Last Night. The effect of the shipping trouble has already manifested itself in industries us ng sugar. The employees of Aulsebrook and Co., biscuit and sweets manufacturers, have been given a week’s notice. A large number are affected. The Christchurch branch of the New Zealand Express Co., which finds its operations severely curtailed by the shipping trouble, has given its outside staff provisional notice that a temporary reduction of staff will have to be made next Monday unless the steamer services are resumed. It has been finally decided by the Christchurch Woolbrokers’ Associaton to hold the wool sale on Thursday, despite the possible, effect on the attendance of buyers through the shipping trouble.

DECISION OF EMPLOYERS. TO STAND BY THE AWARD. CALL FOR MEN TO BE MADE. Wellington, Last Night. The shipping strike was discussed at a meeting of the Shipowners’ Federation held this afternoon. It was decided that as the strike is one against society ■ rather than against the employers, and ■ so calculated to destroy the legally constituted machinery for dealing W itn labor disputes, which had been set up in accordance with the laws of the country, the shipowners should take a firm stand and support the Arbitration Court award. It was therefore decided to immedi- ' ately advertise for men to man the Now j Zealand ships in aecordance with the award provisions and to man the ships ■as labor becomes available. HOKITIKA SHORT OF SUPPLIES. Hokitika. last Night., i The hold up of shipping is causing some concern here. flier® being a very short supply of sugar, flour and other i products. As a result an application has been made to the Government to allow flour and other produce to be sent through Arthur’s Pass tunnel, thus mitigating to some extent the shortage. MORE VESSELS PAID OFF. Dunedin. Nov. 13. The Kamo's crew was paid off this morning. The ship’s trip to the C'halhams has been abandoned. The Waikou'ti’s crew lias also been paid off. It is understood the Waitoke’s deckhands will be paid off.