WHARF LABORERS’ STRIKE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3356, 24 October 1911, Page 5

WHARF LABORERS’ STRIKE.

CAPABLE OF SETTLEMENT

ACTION DECIDED ON

(United Press Association—Copvright.) SYDNEY, Oct. 22.

The strike position is unaltered. The sailors continue to work perishable cargo. No other cargo is touched on coastal inter-State vessels. Fruit merchants unloaded the Paloona’s apples with their own workmen, the wharf laborers having declined to accept the guarantee of an extra threepence per hour offered for this vessel. The President of the Inter-state Steamship Owners’ Federation declares that the strike was brought about by the deep-sea men, who were themselves desirous of obtaining a further increase. One company informed the merchants that no goods would be received for a fortnight. The strike officials have been summoned to a compulsory conference in Melbourne. They- left to-night.

‘ SYDNEY, Oct. 23. All inter-state vessels sailed on Saturday without Sydney cargo. MELBOURNE. Oct. 23.

The Council of the Waterside Workers’ Federation met to consider the action of the Sydney wharf laborers. Mr. Hughes, Attorney-Cieneral, the president, after the meeting, said that certain action had been decided upon. He thought the dispute capable of settlement.

UNION OFFICIALS ASTONISHED

AT WHARF LABORERS' ACTION

(Received October 23, 9.30 -p.m.)

SYDNEY, Oct. 23

The steamer Cycle arrived at Port Pirie with a cargo of ore for transhipment. The recognised rates for ore are one and sixpence per ton, but the wharf laborers declined to handle the cargo. The Union officials express astonishment at the action.

In other directions the strike is unaltered. Tho seamen., acting on the advice of the Melbourne executive, con tinue to handle perishable goods. Therefore the dairy produce markets are unaffected. The produce trade from Melbourne to Tasmania, is, however, at a standstill, affecting the potato and chaff markets.

DEPUTATION TO PREMIER

STRIKE QUESTION ACUTE

(Received Oct. 24, 1 a.m.) SYDNEY, Oct. 23

A deputation of merchants and Coastal steamship owners waited on the Hons. McGowen and Carmichael, urging them to exercise personal influence to get a settlement of the strike. A similar deputation waited upon Mr Carmichael on Saturday. He promised to produce certain information. Mr Carmichael to-day expressed surprise that the deputationists were in such a hurry to bring the matter before the Premier.

The Hon. Mr McGowen said that if, at all possible to arrange the conference of the parties he would do so.

COMPULSORY CONFERENCE.

WITHOUT RESULT

MELBOURNE, Oct. 23.

The compulsory conference under Mr Justice Higgins met for an hour and a half. At the conclusion the Registrar reported that it was without result. The conference adjourned till to-mor-row.