IN AUSTRALIA.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 November 1922, Page 5

IN AUSTRALIA.

COMPROMISE EXPECTED. LARGE MAIL SENT. BOAT TO SAIL TO-DAY. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.-Copyright. Received Nov. 18, 12.15 a.m. Sydney, Nov. 17. The Minister of Justice gave permission to the secretary of the Seamen’s Union to visit the Long Bay gaol for the purpose of effecting a settlement with the Moeraki’s crew under the Act, which empowers the Minister to release prisoners or refund fines when both parties mutually agreed. The seamen emphatically refuged to return to the ship under new conditions. They said they preferred gaol. The crew’s services as painters are being utilised by the gaol authorities, and the men jok : ngly remarked that they are happy because the brush could not fall over. The crew of the Wihangape said they had no intention of striking, some suggesting the strike is weakening the New Zealand union. Shipping circles expect a compromise is likely during the week-end. The cpmpany anticipate getting the Ulimaroa away for Auckland to-mor-row. The Union Company’s Kanna left Sydney for Hobart to-day, so that :Le seamen's ban has not so far extended to the Tasmanian boats. The crew is on Australian articles. The Waiwera has left Newcastle for Wellington, taking all New Zealand mails to date, comprising several hundred bags. ATTITUDE IN AUSTRALIA.

STRIKE NOT AV ANTED. Sydney, November 17. ’ It transpires -that at the seamen’s meeting a proposal was submitted in favour of approaching the MiniAer of Justice with a view to obtaining a remission of the sentences on the Moeraki and Waikawa men. ‘ The president of the Seamen’s Union opposed it on the grounds that they could not expect redress as the men had pleaded guilty. The motion was re- . jected. It was further decided that the executive he given power to see that the men still on board the Moeraki were not repatriated to their home port. It is supposed the object of this is to put the company to the expense of maintaining -the men on the ship while in Australian waters. It was announced that no authentic information ha® been received from New Zealand regarding the situation there Union officials advised the meeting that it would -be disastrous to Australian seamen if they were involved in a general strike at the present time. The decision reached to hold up the Union Company-’s vessels will have serious effects on Tasmanian and trans-Pa-cific services, as well as the Australian. New Zealand trade. 'Melbourne, November 17. The crew of the Union Company’s Hauraki refused duty. Nineteen of them were arrested on a charge of refusing to obey the lawful commands of the captain. Melbourne, November 17. The Orvieto’s crew have resumed work, and the ship has emailed for Sydney. WELLINGTON BUSIER. NEW r WATERSIDERS’ UNION. By TeleEraph.—Press Association. Wellington, November 17. A new watersiders’ union has been formed, 160 members are already enrolled, and registration has been applied for. The reasons are stated to be dissatisfaction with the administration of the present union. One of the members stated that the organisation aimed at clean administration and nonpolitical operation. The men concerned were ouc for a fair day’s work under the award cleanly and above board. An objection to the registration has been lodged 'by the old union. The watersiders are offering no objection to working the cargo of free labour ships. It is reported that when it was decided the seamen should leave their ships the Seamen’u Union asked the Watersiders’ Federation to ensure that its members would not strike. The port has been far busier than for several days, only three or four of the small vessels are idle. Cargo is being handled freely, and the wharves are now fitted with strong timber harriers blocking the wharf as a thoroughfore. Queens Wharf, where work is concentrated, is only (approachable through the main gates, and admission here requires a permit. The ferry wharf is occupied by the Union Company’s steamers and is similarly guarded. POSITION AT NELSON. SMALL BOATS IN COMMISSION. Nelson, Last Night. | The position on the waterfront continues to improve. The Anchor Company have three boats in commission—the Nikau, Koi and Alexander.. The Alexander is timed to sail for Wellington this evening, and tentative sailings for the West Coast and Wanganui are also announced. There is still no news of the whereabouts of the schooner Coronation, which left Wellington on Tuesday night with mails for Nelson. TROUBLE IN DUNEDIN. Dunedin, November 17. Shipping trouble developed when a call was made to discharge the Katoa’s Auckland cargo. The watersiders refused to handle it. The Kini arrived early from Gisborne, and it is understood the crew : leave the to-day. The watersiders refuse t’o'work her and the Kamo. , A further call for labour was made at ■ one o’clock. The Katoa is the first free i labour ship to arrive here. NAPIER CARRIERS’ VIEWS. ■ ] Napier, November 17. ; At a mass meeting of carriers last ; night it was decided not to take any .* action against the use of free labour on , the boats. It was contended that the , seamen had left their jobs and there i ’ was no strike. This is regarded with < | satisfaction L