NO SURRENDER.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3361, 30 October 1911, Page 5

NO SURRENDER.

SHIPOWNERS FIRM. TROUBLE STILL ACUTE. IN MARITIME STRIKE. (United Press Association—Copyright.) SYDNEY, Oct. 28. A meeting of produce merchants resolved to find all possible assistance for coastal shipping companies unloading cargoes during the strike. One speaker advocated paying the men’s demands, the companies raising the rates. The dominant note in shipping circles is no surrender. The companies claim that they have treated the men generously. 'The wharf laborers of other States are working without complaints under the agreement. The Crown solicitor is obtaining information with a view to the possible prosecution of strikers under the Industrial Disputes Act. About 250 names have been taken. Every effort is being made to unload the Moeraki before her departure. She takes no outward freight, excepting probably a small quantity of fruit. MELBOURNE, Oct. 28. Leading shipowners stated that they had reached the limit of concessions to the men. If the strike extends ffe rras not only going to affect transport. The shipowners had offers of support from some very powerful employers’ unions. (Received October 30, i 2.20 a.m.) SYDNEY, Oct. 29. The Moeraki took little cargo beyond small consignments of fruit. The coastal steamship owners discussed Mr. Carmichael’s proposal that they act as stevedores. They resolved that the Association was prepared and anxious for the men to resume under the existing agreement, and they would overlook any breaches of agreement, hut any arrangement of paying extra wages was a matter for the Government to determine, in the interests of the public. If the men desired a conference the Association was prepared to meet them. _ The Union officials state they are setting their faces against any extension of the strike, and endeavoring to keep the men at work on all boats running, in accordance with the agreement between the wharf laborers and the companies.